Harare, Zimbabwe – Lewis Matutu, the Zanu PF Midlands vice-chairperson, along with four co-accused, has been acquitted of a US$150,000 fraud charge related to the alleged illegal seizure of shares in a local mining company, Shisib Investments. The verdict was delivered by Magistrate Noel Mupeiwa, who cited a lack of evidence presented by the State.

Matutu, charged alongside Blessing Kusangaya, Tafadzwa Kusangaya, Muzimba Muhamba, and Chikwasha Muhamba, faced accusations of forging the company's annual returns between 2014 and 2017 to unlawfully acquire a majority stake. However, the State, represented by Anesu Chirenje, failed to substantiate this central claim during the trial.

Defense lawyer Moffat Makuvatsine highlighted a crucial point, noting that the company's annual returns were consistently prepared and handled by a single individual, Nyaradzo Chirisa. Makuvatsine questioned why Chirisa, a key figure in the handling of these documents, was not called upon to provide testimony regarding the alleged forgery, thus casting doubt on the prosecution's evidence.

Further weakening the State's position, the complainant in the case confirmed to the court that shares had been voluntarily given to some of the accused. This testimony directly contradicted the premise of an illegal seizure, suggesting consent rather than theft.

Ultimately, Magistrate Mupeiwa concluded that the State had not met the burden of proof, specifically failing to demonstrate that the accused had forged and back-dated annual returns to illegally obtain a controlling interest in Shisib Investments. The court found no evidence to suggest that Matutu or his co-accused had interfered with the company's operations in the manner alleged.