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Conrad Mupesa

Mashonaland West Bureau

FORMER Deputy Minister of Information, Bright Matonga, who is facing a charge of stealing farming implements worth nearly US$500 000 from a business partner, was yesterday granted US$600 bail by Chegutu magistrate, Ms Evelyn Mashawakure.

Matonga, who had been in custody since Tuesday, will be back in court on July 19 and was ordered to surrender his passport and to report to police once a week as part of his bail conditions.

He is being represented by Mr Innocent Muchini of Muchini Attorneys, while Mr Tafadzwa Vhore is appearing for the State.

Speaking ahead of Matonga’s first court appearance on Wednesday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the ex-Government deputy Minister was arrested in connection with two reports of theft made by farmers who were leasing his farm.

Matonga was said to have been in a joint venture with unnamed farmers  and a partner tried to withdraw his implements including tractors, but he allegedly seized some implements, resulting in the matter being reported to the police.