FORMER mines ministry permanent secretary Francis Gundyanga, 69, is seeking to have his bail conditions altered so he can focus on his new farming life.

The ex-bureaucrat recently approached the courts after the State’s failure to furnish him with a trial date despite making committing to do so at his last hearing.

Gudyanga is charged with criminal abuse of duty as a public officer after he reportedly appointed himself lone board member for a ministry parastatal, in the process awarding himself allowances meant for eight people.

According to court papers, the alleged breach started in 2013 when the Minerals Marketing Cooperation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) dissolved its board. Gundyanga was subsequently appointed board chairperson from December 2013 to September 2016.

During that period he allegedly abused his powers by corruptly claiming, and receiving, board fees and sitting allowances amounting $28,910.

According to MMCZ Act chapter 21:04 a company board must constitute a minimum of six and a maximum ten members.

After he was freed on bail following his arrest last December, Gudyanga was ordered to report twice a week to the police, surrender his passport and continue residing at his given address among other conditions.

HE told Harare magistrate Rumbidzayi Mugwagwa last week that he has been coming to court consistently as expected, adding that since the State failed to give him a trial date his reporting conditions should be adjusted.

The magistrate is expected to deliver her ruling on the application on February 28.

Linda Gadzikwa appeared for the state.