News / National
Zanu-PF Ward 1 Councillor has case to answer
4 hrs ago |
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Magistrate Richard Ramaboea has dismissed an application by Zanu-PF Ward 1 Councillor Josiah Mutangi and Janet Zhou seeking to have four of the 14 fraud charges they are facing struck off.
The pair is accused of defrauding 14 vendors of US$200 each, allegedly claiming they could help them secure vending bays in Bulawayo's city centre.
Through their lawyer, the accused argued that some of the complainants had not testified, and therefore certain charges should be dropped. However, Magistrate Ramaboea ruled that there was sufficient evidence presented for the duo to answer to all 14 counts.
Mutangi and Zhou maintain their innocence, claiming the payments were legitimate joining fees for their organisation, Bulawayo City Achievers, rather than fraudulent transactions.
The State has dismissed that defence, insisting that the receipts and explanations provided by the accused are inconsistent and misleading.
The matter now moves to the defence stage, where the two will have the opportunity to present their case.
The pair is accused of defrauding 14 vendors of US$200 each, allegedly claiming they could help them secure vending bays in Bulawayo's city centre.
Through their lawyer, the accused argued that some of the complainants had not testified, and therefore certain charges should be dropped. However, Magistrate Ramaboea ruled that there was sufficient evidence presented for the duo to answer to all 14 counts.
The State has dismissed that defence, insisting that the receipts and explanations provided by the accused are inconsistent and misleading.
The matter now moves to the defence stage, where the two will have the opportunity to present their case.
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