HARARE – Ex-Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo, who faces three counts of corruption dating back a decade ago, is expected to appear in court where he will learn his fate – whether or not he will be granted bail.
Chombo was one of the unfortunate ministers who were detained by the military, in events that led to Robert Mugabe’s resignation as president of Zimbabwe.
On Saturday, the distressed Chombo told the court that the military kept him blind folded for nine days as he was put under house arrest on the 15th of November.
His lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, also told the court that his client was severely beaten by the military in detention, although the court did not see any visible injuries as Chombo stood before magistrates in Harare.
His lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, also told the court that his client was severely beaten by the military in detention, although the court did not see any visible injuries as Chombo stood before magistrates in Harare.
Madhuku added that his client had to be admitted to the hospital as he suffered serious injuries and lacerations sustained from the beatings he received in military custody.
The ousted finance minister showed no emotions while the charges were read against him, leading the court to have him detained until his bail application has been heard.
Amongst the three cases of corruption read, includes his attempt to defraud the Zimbabwean central bank in 2004, when he was the local government minister.
Leader of the influential Zanu-PF youth league Kudzanai Chipanga, who was also charged for making statements aimed at undermining public confidence in the defence forces, will also find out today on whether he will be granted bail.
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