Own Correspondent|THE trial of Njube-Lobengula MP Gift Banda, who is facing charges of forging signatures of a Bulawayo man resulting in him losing a residential stand worth US$60 000, has been set for 3 March.

MDC president Nelson Chamisa recently threw Banda, a former Bulawayo deputy mayor, under the bus when he declared that his party will investigate circumstances leading to him clandestinely acquiring a 3,5-hectare piece of land at Ascot race course.

Chamisa while professing ignorance on the purchase, said he was shocked that Banda was allowed to go ahead as this was against the principles of the opposition party.

He has since built town houses on the land. He revealed that they will investigate the circumstances leading to the purchase.

The sentiments by Chamisa came at a time when Mr Banda was out on bail in the case where he is accused of conniving with a local real estate company to forge signatures to sell a residential stand in Selbourne Brooke in Bulawayo.

“Going forward, within the party, certain elements have to be subjected to interrogation and enquiries so that we maintain the highest of standards, so there will be no sacred cows. Now that I am aware that is what the former deputy mayor did, we shall get to the bottom of it.

Banda, who is jointly charged with Mbonisi David Nkomazana (33) of Bard Real Estates on Thursday appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya facing forgery charges. He was remanded to 03 March for commencement of trial.

Banda and Nkomazana allegedly forged Mr Nkululeko Ndlovu’s signature purporting that he had agreed to sell his stand in Selbourne Brooke Bulawayo to the MP.

More details to follow…