FORMER Health minister David Parirenyatwa on Tuesday raised concern over the State’s “continued delay” of his trial.
The State halted proceedings four months ago in the Parirenyatwa case while awaiting consultations and confirmation from the prosecuting authorities.
James Makiya, representing Parirenyatwa, said: “The defence wishes to place on record that the law does not permit the State to arrest people, put them on trial and then halt proceedings in the middle of the State case, for an indefinite period.”
He added that they would refuse further remand if the trial did not commence on December 2, which was the postponement date.
“In the circumstances, there is with respect no basis for the further remand of the accused, Parirenyatwa, at the next remand date, and it will be moved by the defence that the court is implored at that further remand date, to refuse further remand,” Makiya added.
Parirenyatwa is facing charges of criminal abuse of office after he allegedly appointed his “relative” Newman Madzikwa as the National Pharmaceuticals managing director.