Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala has advised the Parliament of Zimbabwe to stop relying and acting upon rumours and newspaper headlines.
This advice comes after Temba Mliswa (Norton), Prince Dubeko Sibanda (Binga North), Anele Ndebele (Magwegwe) and Leonard Chikomba Gokwe-Kabuyuni have been acquitted of corruption charges.
They were being accused of soliciting for a $400 000 bribe from businessman James Ross Goddard for them to facilitate a transport deal for his company (RG Pvt) with Hwange Colliery Company.
Speaking on the issue in the National Assembly, Sikhala said the legislators’ public image and reputation are already tarnished. He added:
Mr Speaker Sir, the allegations that are being debated here originated from a newspaper (The Herald) report which in essence and as we all understand that at law, we should not be able to charge persons on the basis of third-party information that has been provided with anti-evidence.
However, Shurugwi North legislator Robson Nyathi applauded Parliament for setting up the Privileges Committee adding that it is a clear statement that Parliament does not condone corruption.
Makoni South legislator Misheck Mataranyika moved the motion to have the quartet investigated said members of the public were already asking about the Herald article hence the need to protect the name of Parliament.
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