Junior Information Minister released on bail as crucial documents disappear from Reserve Bank Governor's office.

By Violet Gonda

27 July 2006

Bright Matonga, the deputy minister of Information in Robert Mugabe's government, was released from police custody on Wednesday night on Z$15 million bail. Matonga, who is also Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Ngezi, had been arrested on Tuesday together with Chinhoyi University of Technology’s Vice Chancellor Charles Nherera on corruption charges involving the alleged soliciting of a bribe during his time as CEO of the state owned Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO).Nherera, himself the chairman of the ZUPCO board, and Matonga are being accused of receiving US$10 000 each from Jayesh Shah, director of Gift Investments, who was supplying Zupco with new buses.

Nherera is already on trial for corruption involving his attempts to solicit a US$5000 bribe for every bus that Shah's company supplied to the company. Deputy minister Matonga was also summoned as a state witness against Nherera but his testimony did not implicate Zupco chairperson in any wrongdoing.

The two appeared before Magistrate Faith Mushure who ordered Matonga to remain at his Chigwell Farm in Chegutu while Nherera was ordered to remain at his Harare home. They were also ordered not to  interfere with State witnesses.

Meanwhile, the court also heard that there are two crucial documents on the alleged crime that disappeared from Reserve Bank Governor, Gideon Gono’s office.The case has also drawn in Local Government, Public Works and Urban Development Minister, Ignatius Chombo who the police have reportedly asked to make a statement.