Zim GBC News | Crimes and Courts
HARARE – The first State witness in the corruption trial of former Cabinet Minister Walter Mzembi has testified that Government property can be donated, but only after strict financial procedures are followed.
Mr. Zvinechimwe Ruvinga Churu, the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, told the High Court on Wednesday that donations of state assets require approval from the Ministry of Finance and must be requested by the relevant Permanent Secretary.
“Yes property can be donated but procedure has to be followed,” Churu testified.
“First you need approval from the Ministry of Finance and the request is done by the accounting officer who is the Permanent Secretary.”
Mzembi, who served as Minister of Tourism and later Foreign Affairs, is accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly donating four LED television sets valued at US$200,000 to three churches without following due process. The State alleges the televisions were part of a US$2 million allocation from Treasury in 2010, intended to purchase screens for 40 fan parks to promote tourism during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The churches named in the allegations are the United Family International Church, Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, and the Zion Christian Church.
Mzembi has pleaded not guilty to the charges before High Court Judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero.
The trial continues.
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