Zanu-PF youth leader up for extortion

ZANU-PF Harare province youth chairman Godwin Gomwe and six other party officials have been arrested on allegations of extorting more than $46 000 from eight housing co-operatives in Glen Norah on several occasions using the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe's name.

Gomwe, alias Mambo (34), Muchineripi Mupindu, alias Ginya (36), Fidelis Ndaradza, alias Brigadier (32), Haruwandi Munyawiri, alias Baya (46), Hamphrey Madenyika (29), Josephine Hadziindi (59) and Norah Toronga (38) today appeared before magistrate Mr Vakayi Chikwekwe.

The suspects allegedly told officials from the housing co-operatives that the land they wanted to develop belonged to the First Lady before demanding kick backs so that they could continue with their operations without any interference.

They are facing three counts of extortion involving $46 200.

Mr Chikwekwe remanded them in custody to Tuesday for continuation of bail application after the State, led by Mr Michael Reza and Miss Sharon Mashavira, opposed bail.

Gomwe is being represented by Mr John Ndomene while the rest of the suspects are being represented by Mr Rungano Mahuni.