Plumtree Magistrate Timeon Twengwa was arrested together with public prosecutor Stanely Chinyanganya and Harare lawyer Admire Rubaya. The trio was charged with defeating the course of justice. The state alleges that the three connived to acquit Jefat Chaganda who was arrested while in possession of 14.71 kgs of gold. The magistrate is alleged to have received $60 000 while the prosecutor received $40 000 for their services. Rubaya is alleged to have received $122 000.
All three were released on bail after appearing before Harare Magistrate Elijah Makomo, who was deployed to Bulawayo to deal with the matter. Speaking through his lawyer, Thabani Mpofu, Rubaya denied the charges saying,
I deny the allegations in toto. These allegations are malicious, frivolous and vexatious and whoever has ordered my arrest was abusing his or her duty as a public officer. I was just instructed by Jefat Chaganda personally to represent him and I successfully executed the instructions in his presence, resulting in his acquittal… I further deny being given any money as my alleged share as being alleged or at all and will put the state to strict proof thereof.
Related Content:
Top Lawyer Arrested For Smuggling Gold, Suspected To Be Part Of A Syndicate
More: NewsDay
Back to top