Former Zimbabwe minister spends night in custody over fraud charges

Former Mashonaland West Minister of State, Reuben Marumahoko, spent the night in custody following his arrest on fraud allegations. Marumahoko, who served as a deputy in multiple ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and Regional Integration and International Cooperation, is facing serious charges related to misappropriation of agricultural inputs.

He appeared before Magistrate Nyasha Marufu, who deferred ruling on his bail application to tomorrow. Prosecutor Brighton Machekera argued that Marumahoko poses a potential flight risk and could interfere with witnesses, a point which led the court to consider the State's concerns. The State highlighted that Marumahoko delayed handing himself over to authorities despite their attempts to interview him.

The charges against Marumahoko stem from his involvement in a government agricultural programme under the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority's (ARDA) commercial farmers' joint venture initiative. According to the allegations, Marumahoko applied for and received substantial agricultural inputs, including 2.5 tonnes of maize seed, 1,300 bags of Compound D fertiliser, and various chemicals, with the expectation that he would cultivate 200 hectares of irrigated maize. However, the prosecution contends that he only planted on 46 hectares, selling off the excess inputs and causing ARDA a loss of $37,950.

Adding to the controversy, Marumahoko's wife, Andy Maririmba, was also arrested on similar charges over the weekend. Both face serious legal challenges, as authorities continue to investigate their alleged misappropriation of resources.

The court's ruling on Marumahoko's bail is expected tomorrow.