HRE COUNCIL BOSSES CONVICTED OVER SPORTS CLUB SALE

THE High Court on Tuesday convicted Harare City Council finance director Stanley Ndemera and chamber secretary Charles Kandemiri on a charge of criminal abuse of office.

Ndemera and Kandemiri were being charged alongside former mayor Herbert Gomba and town clerk Hosea Chisango, who were acquitted on the same charge.

The four underwent a full trial before Justice Pisirai Kwenda. Ndemera and Kandemiri were represented by Joel Mambara.

Gomba and Chisango were represented by Garikai Mhishi and Gyton Vhiriri.

In acquitting Gomba and Chisango, Justice Kwenda said their involvement in the commission of the offence was minimal such that no criminal liability could be attached to them.

Justice Kwenda said they only signed the agreement of sale as a matter of policy because their assumption was that everything was done above board.

In convicting Ndemera and Kandemiri, Justice Kwenda said the duo abused its offices to commit the offence.

The court heard that they sold the council-owned Mt Pleasant Sports Club in Vainona, including the golf course, without following procedure.

Justice Kwenda said their actions were deliberate.

The stand was sold to Hardspec Investments for $23 923 340 while the club was quoted at US$2,3 million. Newsday

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