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Walter Nyamukondiwa Kariba Bureau
The Kariba municipality officials who were arrested this week on allegations of fraud and abuse of office as public officials have been granted $50 000 bail each.

The trio of town clerk Richard Kamhoti, finance director Saratiere Chitenhe and Councillor Tendai Mapondera (Ward 5) appeared before Chinhoyi magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo who assented to their bail application.

Ms Moyo granted $50 000 bail each to the three officials with Kamhoti and Chitenhe appearing separately from Cllr Mapondera.

She ordered them to report thrice a week at the police on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, not to interfere with investigations and witnesses and not to set foot on council premises until the matter is finalised.

They were also ordered to surrender their passports and documents for immovable properties given as surety and to reside at given addresses.

They face abuse of office charges in contravention of Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Defence lawyer from Mutuso, Taruvinga and Mhiribidi law firm argued that they were proper candidates for bail to which the magistrate concurred on grounds that the state did not give compelling reasons to deny them bail.

They are expected back at court on May 13.