First State witness testifies in Mzembi's trial

The trial of former Cabinet minister Walter Mzembi continued this week with the State calling its first witness, Mr Zvinechimwe Ruvinga Churu, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for Administration, Finance and Human Resources.

Testifying before High Court Judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero, Churu told the court that while government property can be donated, such transactions must strictly follow laid-down procedures.

"Yes, property can be donated, but procedure has to be followed. First, you need approval from the Ministry of Finance and the request is done by the accounting officer, who is the Permanent Secretary," Churu said.

The State alleges that Mzembi failed to comply with this procedure when he allegedly donated government-owned television screens to churches without the necessary authorisation.

Mzembi, who served as Minister of Tourism and Hospitality at the time of the alleged offence before later becoming Minister of Foreign Affairs, is facing charges of criminal abuse of office. He has pleaded not guilty.

According to the prosecution, Mzembi unlawfully donated four LED television sets valued at US$200 000 to three churches — United Family International Church, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministry, and the Zion Christian Church — without obtaining approval from either Treasury or Cabinet.

The charges are linked to a broader US$2 million allocation released by Treasury to the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality in 2010. The funds were intended for the procurement of television sets for 40 fan parks across the country as part of efforts to promote tourism during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by South Africa.

The State maintains that the donation of the television sets to churches fell outside the scope of the approved purpose of the funds and violated government financial regulations.

The trial is continuing, with further witnesses expected to testify.