Cross faces Parly charge over Meikles intervention Mr Cross
Mr Cross

Mr Cross

Mr John Moxon, the Meikles executive chairman wrote to Parliament complaining about the conduct of Mr Eddie Cross, the Bulawayo South Member of Parliament, at the annual general meeting held in October. According to MP David Chapfika who presented the letter in Parliament on Wednesday, Mr Cross is alleged to have prematurely disclosed the committee proceedings and findings on the Reserve Bank Debt Assumption Bill as it relates to Meikles Limited Annual General Meeting before the Committee has reported its findings to the House.

Mr Moxon also alleged that Mr Cross violated Parliamentary rules by prematurely divulging the proceedings and findings of the Committee before the report of the Committee has been presented to the House.

Mr Cross at the Meikles AGM said that the results of the public hearings on the Debt Assumption Bill show that members of the public were extremely unhappy with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Debt Assumption Bill.

He also warned Meikles shareholders to disregard the $90 million published in the Meikles Limited’s public financial statements as expected debt repayments from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, as doing so would allegedly amount to “counting the chickens before they were hatched”.

However, Mr Chapfika chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance and Economic Development said that while Moxon said the amount due to Meikles Limited from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is $90 million, the recorded amount in the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Debt Assumption Bill is $42 million.

“This anomaly is still subject to validation by the Committee. Mr Moxon raises apprehension that Hon. Cross may have adversely influenced the Committee and benefited personally by virtue of him being a shareholder of Meikles Limited and a member of the Committee.

“Mr Speaker Sir, the Committee is of the view that the allegations being raised against Hon. Cross may constitute a charge of contempt of Parliament as stipulated under Paragraph 9, Appendix B of schedule to the Privileges, Immunities and Powers of Parliament Act, more specifically the provisions relating to “publishing the proceedings of a committee or evidence given to a Committee before its proceedings committee are reported to Parliament,” said Mr Chapfika.

He said that Mr Cross’ alleged use of information gained through a Committee enquiry for his personal benefit, and for which the Committee has not reported to the House, has the potential to impair the integrity of the inquiry by the Portfolio Committee on Finance and Economic Development.

Therefore, pursuant to Select Committee Rule No.13, the Committee resolved to bring these matters to the attention of the House.

Select Committee Rule No. 13 states that, “If any information comes before any Select Committee charging any member, the Committee shall not proceed further upon such information but shall report it without delay to the House.”

The Speaker, Jacob Mudenda said that in the interest of natural justice, it will be fair that this matter is carefully studied by the Chair in view of the fact that the alleged perpetrator, if I may say so, Mr Cross has a right of reply and accordingly, the Chair will study the matter and make a ruling accordingly in the interest of natural justice.— Wires.

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