News / Local
'Mutsvangwa, Mangwana wanted to steal from ZBC'
27 Oct 2023 at 01:35hrs | Views
The lawyer representing former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) acting chief executive, Wisdom Hombarume, made allegations yesterday, accusing former Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa and Ministry Secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana of an attempted misappropriation of the broadcaster's funds, followed by the creation of false criminal charges against his client.
In court, Hombarume's lawyer, Musindo Hungwe, asserted that the charges against his client were fabricated as a retaliatory measure after Hombarume prevented Mutsvangwa and Mangwana from embezzling ZBC funds.
Mangwana, however, refuted these claims and clarified that he did not interfere in ZBC's internal affairs. He explained that his official responsibilities did not include serving on the ZBC board, as the government was a shareholder, and the chief executive reported to the board.
When questioned by Hungwe, Mangwana denied any position for himself as permanent secretary on the ZBC organizational chart. He also confirmed that decisions at ZBC were made through board resolutions, with Hombarume responsible for implementing them.
Hungwe challenged Mangwana to provide a board resolution that granted him the authority to represent ZBC in legal proceedings and to clarify the proper procedure for designating the complainant in the case.
Furthermore, Hungwe argued that Mangwana should not have been the complainant, as he had acknowledged that ZBC should be the entity behind the case.
Mangwana also faced accusations of reporting Hombarume to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) without obtaining a board resolution. In response, Mangwana stated that he had merely requested Zacc to investigate the allegations.
Hombarume is facing charges related to a request for US$6,730 for a business trip to Botswana that he did not undertake. Additionally, he is accused of smuggling a microphone valued at R290 and luggage worth R4,285. However, Hombarume vehemently denies these charges, asserting that they were fabricated.
In court, Hombarume's lawyer, Musindo Hungwe, asserted that the charges against his client were fabricated as a retaliatory measure after Hombarume prevented Mutsvangwa and Mangwana from embezzling ZBC funds.
Mangwana, however, refuted these claims and clarified that he did not interfere in ZBC's internal affairs. He explained that his official responsibilities did not include serving on the ZBC board, as the government was a shareholder, and the chief executive reported to the board.
When questioned by Hungwe, Mangwana denied any position for himself as permanent secretary on the ZBC organizational chart. He also confirmed that decisions at ZBC were made through board resolutions, with Hombarume responsible for implementing them.
Furthermore, Hungwe argued that Mangwana should not have been the complainant, as he had acknowledged that ZBC should be the entity behind the case.
Mangwana also faced accusations of reporting Hombarume to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) without obtaining a board resolution. In response, Mangwana stated that he had merely requested Zacc to investigate the allegations.
Hombarume is facing charges related to a request for US$6,730 for a business trip to Botswana that he did not undertake. Additionally, he is accused of smuggling a microphone valued at R290 and luggage worth R4,285. However, Hombarume vehemently denies these charges, asserting that they were fabricated.
Source - newsday
