Mangoma trial date set

Former Energy minister Elton Mangoma's trial on charges of criminal abuse of office in a Zesa prepaid meter tender is now set to commence on September 21.

The Prosecutor-General's Office announced the trial date yesterday, effectively quashing Mangoma's bid to be placed off remand.

The opposition party leader, who is being represented by Beatrice Mtetwa, is being accused of abusing his powers during his time as a Cabinet minister by awarding OK Zimbabwe a tender to sell electricity coupons without following proper procedures.

There was drama yesterday in court when prosecutor Sharon Mashavira, just before magistrate Francis Mapfumo delivered his ruling on the application for refusal of further remand, advised the court that Mangoma's trial date had been set.