Jailed Air Zimbabwe boss appeals sentence

Convicted ex-Air Zimbabwe chief executive officer Peter Chikumba has appealed at the High Court of Zimbabwe against both his conviction and sentence.

Chikumba in his notice of appeal against both conviction and sentence filed by his lawyer Admire Rubaya challenges the judgement by Harare Regional Magistrate Mrs Fadzai Mthombeni, arguing the lower court erred at law by relying on wholly circumstantial evidence which failed to prove the allegations against his client.

Chikumba further accuses the court on relying on Grace Pfumbidzayi, a co-accused person in the case whose evidence was inadmissible given the rules relating to the admission of such evidence were not followed.

He also argues the court relied on the evidence of one shopped witness one Nyakabau whose evidence was materially defective and conflicting when compared to that of Pfumbidzayi.

He finally contends the lower court convicted him on the basis of mere speculation given there were no proven facts relating how he allegedly had been involved in the appointment of Navistar Insurance.

Chikumba, together with Pfumbidzayi were convicted after a full trial on a charge of abuse of office and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment following which 3 were wholly suspended on condition of good behaviour.