Lawyer who burnt ballot papers appointed acting information minister

By Lance Guma
28 June 2006

Kadoma based lawyer Paul Mangwana who decided to burn ballot papers in the 2005 Zanu PF Kadoma East primary elections after it became apparent he was heading for defeat, is the new acting Information Minister. He replaces the late Tichaona Jokonya who died on Saturday. Zimbabweans hope the only thing he burns this time is the oppressive Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) that has been used to shut down media outlets and control the flow of information via stringent registration requirements. Also of interest is the fact that Bright Matonga, who defeated Mangwana in the Zanu PF primaries, is currently the deputy information minister.

Speculation is already mounting over whether Mugabe will once again ignore his press secretary George Charamba for the position. Charamba has found a home for his frustrations at the Herald, allegedly using the Nathaniel Manheru column to lash at his enemies. He has had to watch the likes of Jonathan Moyo and Tichaona Jokonya beat him to the information ministry, despite working closely with Mugabe. Mangwana is currently the Minister of State for State Enterprises, Anti-Corruption and Anti-Monopolies. His appointment to act in the new capacity was announced by Dr M Sibanda the Chief Secretary to cabinet in Mugabe’s office.

Meanwhile people who have had dealings with his law firm, Mangwana and Partners, have described Mangwana as an unscrupulous individual. He is accused of illegally acquiring dozens of houses in Kadoma and Chinhoyi via the law firm. A journalist who lost his house to Mangwana told Newsreel that the lawyer seems to enjoy immunity from prosecution and that a lot of people have been conned into parting with their properties.