Staff Writer
Former Gokwe Nembudziya legislator, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, has been acquitted of fraud charges following a favorable ruling by the Supreme Court.
The decision marks a significant victory for Wadyejena, who has been embroiled in a lengthy legal battle.
Wadyajena and his company, Mayor Logistics, faced joint allegations of fraud and money laundering. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) had seized and forfeited 25 haulage trucks, a Lamborghini Urus, and a BMW X6M.
In May 2023, the High Court ordered the return of Wadyajena’s property, citing a lack of justification for its continued seizure. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) appealed this decision to the Supreme Court, arguing that Wadyajena was unfit to regain possession of his assets.
The Supreme Court has now dismissed the NPA’s appeal, finding it to be without merit.
Wadyajena’s lawyer, Oliver Marwa, expressed relief at the outcome of the lengthy legal process.
“The Supreme Court ruled in favor of our client, rejecting the NPA’s appeal against the High Court’s order to release the seized property,” Marwa said.
“The NPA had claimed that the High Court’s decision was incorrect, but the Supreme Court agreed with our position that they had no legal basis to retain the property. The High Court’s judgment clearly stated that they had 30 days to hold the property, but they exceeded this time limit by over two years.”
Marwa said lack of progress in the ZACC investigation, stating that there had been no tangible developments or a clear timeline for prosecution.
“Our client has always maintained their innocence and the legitimate acquisition of these properties,” he said.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is a clear vindication of our client’s innocence.”
At one point, ZACC resisted returning Wadyajena‘s luxury vehicles, citing certain conditions that were later overturned by the High Court.
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