Former Harare City Council Acting Director of Housing Matthew Marara has been acquitted of criminal abuse of office charges.
Marara and his co-accused, Aaron Tayerera, the Harare Acting Chief Clerical Officer, were being accused of the illegal allocation of residential stands.
The state alleged that Marara and Tayerera connived and pocketed the money.
The stands were sold to Maureen Nyemba, Philda Muringani, Moud Jena, Thomas Ruziye, Clayton Mushati, Kudzai Chiara and Solomon Muchazondida.
However, the two, who had pleaded not guilty, were acquitted by Harare Regional Magistrate Taurai Manuwere.
The Magistrate said their conduct had been sanctioned by a Full Council resolution.
“They cannot be held criminally liable for an action approved by a full council resolution,” said the magistrate.
The duo was represented by lawyer Tsitsi Mazikana.
