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Message: [QUOTE="Queen, post: 86283, member: 27"] A corruption case hit a pause point as a former minister tried to walk free once prosecutors ran out of witnesses. Bid to end the case early [LIST] [*]Walter Mzembi pushed for discharge after the State wrapped testimony. [*]The move came immediately after the final witness stepped down. [*]Defense strategy targets weaknesses in the prosecution file. [*]Outcome waits on a judicial call. [/LIST] What the State presented [LIST] [*]Eric Chacha handled the probe for the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. [*]The investigation focused on donated public viewing screens. [*]The value of the equipment reached two hundred thousand dollars. [*]Donations went to three church organizations. [/LIST] How the screens were handled [LIST] [*]Chacha said the required procedures were skipped entirely. [*]Ministry of Tourism records were requested and reviewed. [*]Finance Ministry files were also pulled for approvals. [*]Paper trails showed gaps tied to the church transfers. [/LIST] Treasury money trail [LIST] [*]The Treasury released two million dollars for forty screens. [*]Some units were loaned out with written approval. [*]Conditions existed for government and private borrowers. [*]Church donations lacked any Treasury clearance. [/LIST] Churches named in the probe [LIST] [*]Zion Christian Church received part of the equipment. [*]Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries was listed. [*]United Family International Church was also involved. [*]All three transfers raised compliance red flags. [/LIST] Judge and timing [LIST] [*]Justice Benjamin Chikowero is set to decide the issue. [*]Ruling is scheduled for February 17. [*]The decision will determine whether the trial continues. [*]Stakes hinge on legal sufficiency. [/LIST] Background on the accused [LIST] [*]Mzembi returned after seven years in South Africa. [*]Arrest followed shortly after his arrival. [*]The date of arrest was June 14, 2025. [*]Bail was denied, keeping him in remand prison. [/LIST] [/QUOTE]

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