Court dismisses Air Zimbabwe bosses' discharge bid

Harare regional magistrate Fadzai Mtombeni yesterday dismissed former Air Zimbabwe bosses Peter Chikumba and Grace Pfumbidzayi's application for discharge after the State wound up its case and noted that the two had a case to answer.

The two former AirZimb bosses are accused of defrauding the Airline of €5 175 593 and $502 748 in an alleged insurance scam.

In her ruling, Mtombeni noted that although Chikumba totally denied involvement in the scam while Pfumbidzayi argued that she acted in the best interests of the airline at a time of crisis, evidence adduced through the State witness was credible as it proved essential elements of the offence.

In her ruling Ms Mthombeni said; "The offence was allegedly committed when Navistar was appointed as a local insurance broker for the airline and it is not in dispute that it was appointed when the two were still holding their positions with Airzim.

"The letter of appointing was written and signed by the second accused (Pfumbidzai) on March 18, 2009 and the first accused (Chikumba) is said to have put (some) input through advising accused to take relevant and necessary measures in this appointment.

"When the letter was acted upon by other Government departments, Navistar had already been appointed and this was not brought to the attention of the permanent secretary and the minister.

"They did all in their powers to deal with the problem the airline faced. Was this procedural, if so why did it remain a matter under the carpet?"

Mr Daniel Muchimbiri prosecuted and the trial continues on March 3.