Parirenyatwa trial date set
THE trial of former Health and Child Care Minister David Parirenyatwa for criminal abuse of office has been set for November 20.
Parirenyatwa (68) was arrested last month for allegedly violating Section 174 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. He is on $500 bail. The prosecutor Mr Michael Reza is alleging that Parirenyatwa abused his position as a public officer when he directed NatPharm board chairperson Dr George Washaya to terminate the contract of Ms Flora Sifeku as managing director, allegedly showing favour for Mr Newman Madzikwa, who had once been sacked from the pharmaceutical company for reportedly selling donated drugs.
At the time he was fired in September 2009, Mr Madzikwa was NatPharm’s Masvingo branch manager.
It is alleged that Parirenyatwa claimed that he required Ms Sifeku’s services at head office for an indefinite period.
The board complied with the former minister’s directive and gave Ms Sifeku and Mr Madzikwa six months contracts each as managing directors effective June 1 to November 30 this year.
Parirenyatwa’s conduct created double dipping on NatPharm funds as the company was paying two salaries towards the managing director’s position prejudicing the company over $30 000.
The State further alleges that Parirenyatwa’s actions were prejudicial to the good administration of NatPharm and the Ministry of Health and Child Care.