HARARE regional magistrate Elijah Makomo has dismissed an
application for discharge filed by former Health minister, David Parirenyatwa,
who is being charged with abuse of office for ordering the irregular
appointment of Newman Madzikwa as the managing director of NatPharm.
Parirenyatwa, who is represented by James Makiya, had filed
an application of discharge, saying there was no evidence in the case, saying
the State had failed to prove essential elements to secure conviction.
The former minister said the evidence led by the State was
so manifestly unreliable that no reasonable court could convict him. He said he
was caught in a “blatant bias” against the perceived political opponents by the
Executive.
But Makomo dismissed Parirenyatwa’s application, saying
there were issues which he should answer for. Makomo said it was not disputable
that Parirenyatwa wrote a letter to NatPharm chairperson George Washaya,
instructing him to appoint Madzikwa as the managing director despite the fact
that he was once dismissed by NatPharm for selling donated drugs. The
magistrate said Parirenyatwa should explain that decision before the court.
The State, represented by Brian Vito opposed the application,
saying Parirenyatwa favoured Madzikwa at the expense of NatPharm and Nancy
Flora Sifeku, who was recalled to the ministry.
Makomo, in his ruling said, Parirenyatwa had ordered the
appointment of Madzikwa against the NatPharm’s human resources policy which
stipulates that an appointment should be made after public interviews. Makomo
postponed the matter to February 27 for the defence case. Newsday
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