Former Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister, Prisca Mupfumira, who faced charges of embezzling US$90 million from the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), was acquitted of all charges on a technicality.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Ngoni Nduna delivered the judgment on Saturday, concluding that Mupfumira was not guilty.
Mupfumira was accused of pressuring NSSA into a land development deal with Drawcard without a tender process. However, the magistrate ruled that Mupfumira could not be held accountable as she was not a member of the NSSA Board and therefore was not involved in the decision-making process.
Magistrate Nduna criticized the prosecution for continuing the case despite clear evidence that Mupfumira did not participate in the board’s resolutions, including the Mzenya Project.
“Her claim of being a mere victim is not unfounded,” Nduna stated, noting that NSSA’s Board acted independently.
The court further highlighted the absence of minutes or evidence showing Mupfumira’s involvement in the decision to bypass the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) regulations and engage Drawcard.
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The magistrate pointed out that the decision not to tender was made by NSSA and that legal advisors should have properly guided the board.
Mupfumira, represented by Admire Rubaya, maintained her innocence throughout the trial, arguing that she was targeted due to her loyalty to President Emmerson Mnangagwa during his vice presidency.
The court agreed, emphasizing the lack of evidence connecting her to any undue favors or benefits from Drawcard.
Her co-accused, NSSA director Barnabas Matongera, was also discharged at the close of the State’s case. The court ruled that there was no evidence linking Mupfumira to the alleged offense, ultimately leading to her acquittal.
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