CHIEF Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi has granted a $50 000 bail to Health Minister Obadiah Moyo who facing three criminal charges of abuse of office .

Staff Reporter

Moyo has been roped in the illegal procurement of Covid-19 drugs and equipment through a dodgy company, Drax International.

Other alleged accomplice, Delish Nguwaya, the country representative of Drax International was remanded in custody after being denied bail at the magistrates court last Monday,

The on-going arrests have this week struck three NatPharm directors who were granted a $10 000 bail for the same charges.

Moyo was represented by James Mutizwa and George Chaga from Chihambakwe and Mutizwa Legal practitioners.

The State did not oppose bail.

Appearing for the State, Clemence Chimbari told the court there are no compelling reasons to deny the accused bail.

“State has no compelling reasons to deny the accused bail,” he said

“Should this find favour with the court. We suggest the following conditions, that he deposit $50 000 with the Clerk of Court as bail, to continue residing at his given address until the matter is finalised, that he reports three times a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday at ZACC (Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission), that he surrenders his passport, not to interfere with witnesses or investigations, to provide surety in the form of title deeds to a stand measuring 2075 square meters in Eastlea. The property belongs to Memory Moyo, the accused’s spouse,” said Chimbari.

State witnesses have been identified as, Agnes Mahomva, former ministry of health secretary and now national Covid-19 coordinator in the President’s Office, George Guvamatanga, ministry of finance secretary, Gerald Gwinji, former secretary in the health ministry and NatPharm managing director Flora Sifeku.

Moyo will be back in court on 31 July 2020