The trial of Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Felton Kamambo who is facing bribery allegations continued on Monday with state witnesses exonerating the ZIFA supremo of any wrongdoing.
Kamambo who is being accused of bribing ZIFA councillors to win ZIFA elections and become the association’s president denies the charges.
On Monday, witnesses poked holes into the State’s case as they all told the court that before Kamambo’s bid for presidency, they had on several occasions received money from candidates to cover travel and accommodation costs and there was nothing untoward about Kamambo offering them the same.
“I also attended other candidates’ campaigns and I remember attending one such at Cresta Lodge in Harare on the following day where Chamu Chiwanza was launching his manifesto,” said ZIFA Women Football board member responsible for fixtures Brenda Gorejena.
“I remember also attending Brighton’s campaign. I am now forgetting his surname. We incurred transport costs and Chiwanza gave us money as well. We were not being bribed since he was pitching a manifesto when he told us what he wanted to do for women’s football,” Gorejena added.
Tafadzwa Mujuru, said she received US$350 from Kamambo to cover food and transport costs.
“I met Kamambo and gave me $350 for food and transport. I was staying in Chitungwiza and I think it was before voting. During the manifesto he told us what he wanted to do for women’s football,” Mujuru said.
The other witness to testify Ropafadzo Matemavi, a councillor who also voted during the elections, told the court that he received $200 from Kamambo to travel from Mutare to attend his election manifesto.
“Robert Matoka (Felton Kamambo’s campaign manager) transferred US$200 for food and transport for me to travel to where the candidate was having a meeting to launch his manifesto. I was coming from Mutare and I was not aware that others had been paid as well. I had not yet voted,” he said.
The matter was rolled over to December 16 for trial continuation.
