Jonathan Moyo released into lawyer's custody, expected in court today

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo, was yesterday arrested for alleged abuse of office and misappropriating over $400 000 Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) funds.

Jonathan Moyo was later released into the custody of his lawyer and is set to appear in court today.

His arrest came after he presented himself to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) head office in Mt Pleasant where a warned and cautioned statement was recorded after over five hours of closed door grilling.

Prof Moyo's deputy Dr Godfrey Gandawa, Zimdef chief executive Mr Frederick Mandizvidza and Zimdef principal director (finance) Mr Nicholas Mapute, are also expected to appear in court.

The minister handed himself to the anti-corruption body yesterday afternoon and was released into the custody of his lawyer Mr Terrence Hussein last night.

Speaking after the meeting with ZACC officers, Adv Lewis Uriri, instructed by Mr Hussein, said his client was placed under arrest and released into the hands of his lawyer.

ZACC spokesperson Mrs Phyllis Chikandura, also confirmed that Prof Moyo was summoned to their offices to give his statement.

Prof Moyo arrived at ZACC offices at 3pm.