Opposition MDC Alliance legislator for Makokoba, Mr James Sithole has, together with two accomplices who were accused of embezzling US$4 250 and R10 000 belonging to a local burial society he chaired, been cleared by the courts.
Sithole and three accomplices, Jacob Manyange, Raymond Gombedza all from Makokoba suburb and Manyara Muzamani appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Munjanja facing theft of trust property charges after they allegedly turned Makokoba Burial Society’s money into personal use.
The four were also accused of squandering US$4 250 which was restituted by the Burial Society’s treasurer, Ms Sibindi following her conviction and sentence for stealing the burial society’s money.
Mr Munjanja acquitted Sithole, Gombeza and Muzamani on both counts and he dismissed Manyange’s application for discharge at the close of the State case and placed him on his defence in relation to the second count.
The magistrate ruled that the State had failed to present compelling evidence against the accused persons.
The Burial Society was formed in 2010 by members of the MDC.
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