Zimbabwe's top prosecutor removed from post

Zimbabwe's top prosecutor removed from post

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By Lebo Nkatazo

ZIMBABWE'S Director of Public Prosecutions has been moved from her job in what sources are saying is an attempt to stop her from pursuing top government officials.

Loice Matanda –Moyo moved her property from the Attorney General’s Office Monday and is now the president of the Administrative Court.

The government is expected to announce her new appointment soon, New Zimbabwe.com sources said.

As director of public prosecutions, Matanda-Moyo gave her nod to the prosecution of senior Zanu PF officials including Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu PF senator Phone Madiro, ruling party legislator Enock Porusingazi and deputy ministers Andrew Langa and Bright Matonga as well as jailed Zupco boss Charles Nherera.

She was also instrumental in forcing the prosecution of one of Zanu PF's most prominent ecclesiastical supporters, pastor Obadiah Msindo, despite spirited attempts by the police and intelligence services to cover up his rape case.

A source at the AG's office revealed: “There was a growing feeling within Zanu PF that she was out to fix them. Following the digging up of a decade old case involving Zanu PF member Rafiq Khan, most members were uncomfortable with what she was going to do next. Chinamasa prosecution worsened matters."

Matanda Moyo recently put into motion appeals against the acquittal of Chinamasa and Madiro. Chinamasa faced charges of bribing a court witness so that he refused cooperate with State lawyers, while Madiro walked away with a fine after being convicted of inciting his supporters to attack his political opponent in Kariba/Hurungwe where he is a senator.

Sources say Matanda Moyo was in recent weeks working to bring to court Joseph Mwale and others who are accused of murdering one of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai’s aides.

It is thought Matanda will be replaced by someone from the army.

Both Matanda Moyo and the AG Sobusa Gula Ndebele were recruited from the Zimbabwe National Army.

Matanda – Moyo’s husband is a serving soldier.

Matanda Moyo was unavailable for comment while Chinamasa had not yet responded to an interview request late last night.
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