A HARARE medical doctor, Michael Mandaza, who was arrested last month on allegations of conducting fake medical tests, has approached the High Court seeking to recover a motor vehicle and US$15 000 that was seized from him by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).
In his application filed on Wednesday, Mandaza together with his nephew Artwell Mapani and Euro Pacific 24 Hour Hospital transport manager Lloyd Vashiko cited Zacc officer George Chivi and the organisation’s investigations manager, Zacc chairperson Loice Matanda-Moyo and Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe as respondents.
Mandaza told the court that Chivi, who was leading the team of detectives who arrested him, came to his office on July 12 and confiscated the motor vehicle and money on the pretext that they were investigating him on money laundering allegations.
“In the course of the arrest, 1st respondent (Chivi) … seized a motor vehicle and cash amounting to US15 678 and R2 740. I advised the 1st respondent that the money belonged to my nephew (Mapani) … I also advised him that the vehicle he seized belonged to Lloyd Vashiko …
“In my view, these were issues 1st respondent could easily investigate and prove or disprove … however, he was clearly bent on punishing me to the extent of just hoarding things which had no connection with me,” read the court paper.
He further argued that Zacc and Chivi should return the car and money to the rightful owners.
“Second and third applicants and I are seeking assistance of the court to compel the respondents to release the vehicle and money since they have no justifiable reason to keep holding onto it while it depreciates and also depriving the owners the right to use their property.
“The respondents also have no plan regarding the seized articles.
“The continued retention of the same is thus a mere show of power and nothing else as no one has been charged in connection with the articles.”
The respondents in the matter are yet to file their responses to the suit.