Zimbabwe: Parks Director Cleared of Corruption Charge

The Herald (Harare)

25 May 2007
Posted to the web 25 May 2007

Harare

PARKS and Wildlife Management Authority director Mr Vitalis Chadenga, accused of corruptly granting hunting rights to Mr Nicholas Johannes Coetzee resulting in the slaughter of 82 animals, has been cleared of the charges.

Harare regional magistrate Mr Morgen Nemadire acquitted Mr Chadenga at the close of the State's case on lack of incriminating evidence.


He said the State failed to prove a prima facie case against Mr Chadenga and that there was no need to put him to his defence.

"In the matter before this court, evidence led to the end of the State's case appears to show the existence of a reasonable possibility, if not probability that the accused person had an innocent, subjective state of mind.

"In any case, he has now been vindicated by the ultimate re-authorisation of the hunts by the authority itself. The essential element of 'doing favour' could not be established by the prosecution.

"A prima facie case was not established and consequently, the accused person will not be placed on his defence. He is accordingly found not guilty and acquitted at the close of the State's case," ruled Mr Nemadire.

Mr Chadenga was being charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act since 2004.

His charges were once withdrawn before plea in 2004, but Mr Chadenga was summoned for trial this year.

Prosecutor Mr Nomathemba Gabela alleged that Mr Coetzee won the bid to hunt in the area in 2004 and did not pay the required $830,7 million.


It was the State's case that he only paid $164 334 120 to Ferreira Auctioneers who conducted the auction on behalf of the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, and that he was not allowed to operate in the camps until full payment was made.

The State further alleged that Mr Chadenga went on and unlawfully allowed Mr Coetzee to conduct hunting activities, resulting in the slaughter of 82 animals.

The animals included 12 buffaloes, two elephants, 17 impalas, two warthogs, two hippopotamuses, five hyenas, five baboons, 31 birds and many others.

What about the outfitter/PH?