Mayor Justice Wadyajena faces international graft ...

Mayor Justice Wadyajena faces international graft probe

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has refuted claims that corruption charges against Justice Mayor Wadyajena were dropped.

The commission clarified that while the former MP had his property returned by the High Court, this doesn’t signal an end to the case.

This international probe, facilitated by the Mutual Legal Assistance process, involves collaboration with law enforcement agencies in various jurisdictions.

Zacc stated that investigations are “still ongoing” and upon completion, “the State will proceed by way of summons”.

“Contrary to reports that charges against Justice Mayor Wadyajena were dropped by the courts, instead the accused was removed from remand to allow for extra-territorial investigations to be conducted and finalised.

“The Mutual Legal Assistance process was instituted through the National Prosecuting Authority for various jurisdictions to conduct investigations through the respective law enforcement agencies. These investigations are still ongoing and once complete, the State will proceed by way of summons. Any updates about the progress on investigations will be provided in due course,” explained Zacc in a notice on Monday.

Wadyajena had been facing charges of fraud and money laundering related to alleged misuse of funds from the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe. His property, including 25 haulage trucks and two luxury cars, had been seized by Zacc. The High Court’s recent ruling focused on the property, not the charges themselves.

Oliver Marwa, lawyer for Wadyajena, portrayed the court decision as a victory.

Zacc, however, said it remains committed to pursuing the case.