Ex-Deputy minister acquitted in GMB inputs case

Former Agriculture Deputy Minister Douglas Karoro has been acquitted of fraud charges linked to allegations that he diverted Grain Marketing Board (GMB) inputs meant for distribution in Mbire district.

Karoro, together with GMB assistant manager Lovejoy Ngowe, was cleared of wrongdoing by Regional Magistrate Taurai Manuwere after a full trial.

Represented by lawyers Admire Rubaya and Malvern Mapako, Karoro argued that the State had failed to link him to the alleged offence. The depot manager at GMB Mushumbi also testified that Karoro had never received or requested the release of maize seed from him.

The former legislator further claimed that the charges were politically motivated, designed by his rivals to eliminate him from contesting the Mbire seat in the 2023 harmonised elections.

"There is no indication whatsoever of what the alleged misrepresentation is and how it was allegedly made by the accused persons and to whom it was made. There is no indication as to whom the alleged misrepresentation was made," Rubaya argued in court.

Karoro maintained that he was not present in Mushumbi on the days in question and was not involved in the collection of the maize seed. His legal team also challenged the credibility of key State witness Honest Nyathi, who admitted completing paperwork in Karoro's absence, creating the impression that the former minister had been present.

The State had alleged that Karoro fraudulently obtained 5,000 vegetable combo kits from Valley Seed Private Limited under the Presidential Inputs Programme and converted them to personal use. However, no evidence was produced linking him to the signed documents for the consignment, nor was handwriting analysis conducted to prove his involvement.

In acquitting him, the court found that the prosecution had failed to establish any misrepresentation or direct participation by Karoro in the alleged fraud, clearing him of charges that could have cost GMB an estimated US$25,000.