By A Correspondent- An investigating officer handling the corruption case of jailed Tourism minister, Priscah Mupfumira, has claimed that the minister wanted to escape to neighbouring South Africa and only turned herself in when she realised that her plans would not be successful.

Trust Chinembiri told the court that Mupfumira wanted to run away to South Africa after she realised that the net was closing in on her.

He said this while testifying against Mupfumira’s bail request and said:

“She only handed herself over to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) when she realised that there was nowhere to run to. She then sent her lawyers to Zacc saying she would avail herself the following day.

She wanted to leave on July 25. She was not prepared to face arrest as she even planned to travel to South Africa with some Chinese (nationals).

Mupfumira who is currently in custody was denied bail by a Harare Magistrate following her arrest over seven counts of corruption allegations at NSSA on July 26 by ZACC.

During her tenure as Public service minister, Mupfumira allegedly swindled the parastatals of over US$95 million.