Midlands News

Former Midlands Province Minister of Provincial Affairs, Jason Machaya was yesterday issued with a warrant of arrest after he absconded from court, midlands news can report.

Machaya who is facing criminal abuse of office charges was yesterday issued with a warrant of arrest after he failed to appear in court as ordered by court on July 28.

Provincial Magistrate, Charity Maphosa issued the warrant of arrest in Gweru. The magistrate was expected to deliver the final judgement yesterday on a case that took more than two years to conclude.

Machaya’ legal representative, Aleck Muchadehama, last night confirmed to midlands news that indeed the court has issued a warrant of arrest against his client.

However, Muchadehama described the warrant as administrative as he indicated that the court was well aware of Machaya’ latest health condition which could not allow him to stand before the court.

“The warrant you were talking about is merely administrative. We wrote to the court advising them that our client was unable to attend court due to a medical operation.

“The court is aware that Machaya received the operation on August 8, and he needs at least 14 days to recover according to the doctors,” said Muchadehama.

Machaya faces a length jail term, if found guilty.

The former Gokwe Senator is facing allegations of unlawfully allocating and disposing of State land.

Machaya was arrested on January 3, 2018 and is out of custody on 1 000ZWL bail.

Another Provincial Magistrate, Tawenga Sangster had on July 28 further remanded Machaya to August 17 for judgement while Wadzanai Shayanewako represented the state.