As Court Cancels Erroneous Arrest Warrant
Staff Reporter
The court has rescinded a warrant of arrest it mistakenly issued against former Zanu PF youth leader, Lewis Matutu last week, clarifying that an error was made in the scheduling of his court appearance.
Matutu’s attorney, Moffat Makuvatsine, explained that Matutu was supposed to return to court on June 25, not May 25.
“We agreed with the State that the case was set for June 25; however, the court incorrectly noted May 25 instead. That date was a holiday, and the clerk informed the magistrate that the record had fallen out of the system, leading to the magistrate endorsing June 4. The mistake originated from the court. Nonetheless, the warrant of arrest has been canceled, and Matutu will be back in court on June 25,” Makuvatsine stated.
Matutu faces charges alongside Blessing Kusangaya, Tafadzwa Kusangaya, Muzimba Muhamba, and Chisakwa Muhamba. The State alleges that the five individuals prepared forged annual returns dated April 30, 2018, altering shareholding structures to establish themselves as majority shareholders in a mining company. Consequently, complainant Joseph Sibanda reportedly suffered financial losses amounting to US$150,000, with no recovery of funds made.
The National Prosecuting Authority alleges that, in 2018, Matutu and his accomplices, along with others who remain at large, devised a scheme to steal shares from the mining company.
Matutu made a significant return to the political arena last year when he was appointed deputy provincial chairperson.
His influence in the Midlands has been noteworthy as he collaborates with his chairperson to reinforce the party’s efforts.
“It’s true that I am now the deputy provincial chairperson. I want to express my gratitude to the party and its leadership for their confidence in me. I will strive to further strengthen the party and support President Emmerson Mnangagwa in achieving Vision 2030,” Matutu declared at that time.