KAMAMBO WITNESS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT

ONE of the last two witnesses in suspended ZIFA president Felton Kamambo’s trial failed to turn up at court yesterday after he was allegedly involved in an accident.

Olivarth Guvuriro had been ordered by Deputy Chief Magistrate Bianca Makwande to appear in court yesterday, but his journey was cut short.

The State, represented by Michael Reza, told the court that they will no longer be calling him to testify.

The State led evidence from Artwell Moyo, who is based in Mberengwa.

He told the court he received money from Robert Matoka, who was Kamambo’s campaign manager.

“I can’t remember how much I received but I received money from them to reimburse me for my travel expenses to attend his campaign meeting and the money was sent to me before the elections,” he said.

Moyo was shown Kamambo’s EcoCash schedule and saw his name and the corresponding $300 he received.

In cross-examination, Moyo was questioned by Kamambo’s lawyer, Chenaimoyo Gumiro, whether he was given the money for inducement or as bribery?

And, whether Kamambo told him who to vote for in the election?

“The money wasn’t a bribe, they just reimbursed me for my expenses to Gweru for the campaign meeting, and no he never told me who to vote for,” he said.

Reza is now left with one state witness, the investigating officer, Inspector Mutumbi, who will testify on January 27.

After that, the State is expected to close its case.

Kamambo is facing bribery charges.

Allegations are that in December 2018, Kamambo offered gifts or considerations from his EcoCash account, to ZIFA 2018 Congress voters.

All the gifts or considerations paid by Kamambo, according to the State, were allegedly meant to induce voters to vote for him.

Everything was documented in his EcoCash account timeline.

The State alleges there was no agreement, or arrangement in place between the ZIFA Electoral Committee and voters, entitling them to receive such considerations, or gifts, as indicated in the schedule.

As a result of the payments, according to the State, Kamambo received 35 votes against the 24 votes received by incumbent Philip Chiyangwa.

He was declared the eventual winner by Vusi Vuma, the ZIFA Electoral committee chairman.