High Court overturns conviction of EUZ president

The High Court in Bulawayo has overturned the conviction of Educators Union of Zimbabwe (EUZ) president Tafadzwa Munodawafa, acquitting her of charges of theft of trust property in a ruling delivered yesterday.

Judge Munamato Mutevedzi handed down the judgment, with Justice Ngoni Nduna concurring, after considering an appeal against a conviction by the Magistrates' Court. The ruling effectively brings the long-running case to an end.

EUZ welcomed the decision, describing it as a clear vindication of Munodawafa's innocence. In a statement, EUZ secretary general Tapedza Zhou said the judgment confirmed that the allegations were baseless, malicious and politically motivated. He accused opposition-aligned actors of attempting to destabilise the union and drag it into partisan political battles.

Zhou said the union had previously faced sustained attacks, including the alleged weaponisation of law enforcement agencies, suspension of bank accounts and interference with its operations. He urged educators to remain united and resist misinformation, reiterating that EUZ remains apolitical and focused on the welfare and professional advancement of teachers.