By Correspondent
Former Chegutu RDC Chairperson Tatenda Gwinji’s accomplices in a case of illegal prospecting for minerals were this week also acquitted.
The remaining trio of former Chegutu West MP Dexter Nduna, Wonder Chisikwa and Tawanda Marufu were cleared by Magistrate Stanley Mambanje.
The three, remained from the initial group of 6, which included Gwinji, Vengi Musengi and Nyasha Nyikadzino.
The group was initially arrested in 2018 with the other three cleared while the rest remained under the charges.
However, Magistrate Mambanje has brought closure to the saga.
In his ruling he said the state had failed to prove its case.
“In conclusion, the allegations that accused persons took soil away without further ado did not prove the offence of contravening section 368 of the Mines and Minerals Act.
“There was need for evidence of where they took the soil and what they did with it.
“Nothing was availed before the court to show for any conduct depicting traditional or scientific examination.
The clearing of the remaining three brings closure for Gwinji who has been under a slew of cases lately.
Last month he was dragged to the police by former Norton MP Temba Mliswa over a US$35 000 fraud case.
However he managed to deliver the vehicle, which he was being accused of refusing with, leading to a withdrawal of charges.
