Commissioner Makamure probe begins

Zim Now Writer

The inquiry into suspended Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission Commissioner John Makamure’s suitability to hold office expected to start in Harare tomorrow.

The tribunal which was set up by President Emmerson Mnangagwa with recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission, is chaired by retired High Court judge Justice Maphios Cheda.

The other members of the tribunal – which is expected to complete its work in two weeks – are Harare lawyer Charles Warara and Regai Thandiwe Hove.

Makamure is being accused of failing to disclose his interest as the founder or trustee of the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust whose objectives are said to be at variance with the functions of ZACC and government.

He is also alleged to have directed one Lee Sung to fund his political campaign in Gokwe in return for “protection”.

The tribunal was set up in terms of Section 237 (3) of the Constitution which demands that: “The procedure for the removal of judges from office applies to the removal from office of a member of an independent commission.”

Comm Makamure is the second Zacc commissioner to be probed after another tribunal was constituted for Comm Frank Muchengwa.

Muchengwa has since been relieved of his duties following recommendations from the Justice Nicholas Ndou-led tribunal, which concluded that he was unsuitable to hold office.

As an independent body in terms of the Constitution, disciplinary procedures governing Zacc are the same as those relating to judges and the Prosecutor-General. In the event of an act of misconduct, an independent tribunal must be set up to investigate and make recommendations to the President.

The tribunal in question must comprise at least three members appointed by the President and the chairperson must be a former judge of the Supreme or High Court.