Businessman Wicknell Chivayo trial is set to commence September 9, after being accused of paying a $10,000 bribe to former Zimbabwe Power Company chairman Stanley Kazhanje.
Chivayo and his company, Intratrek Zimbabwe (Pvt) Limited, are jointly charged with bribery and yesterday appeared before regional magistrate Trainos Utahwashe.
The flashy businessman denied the charges when the trial opened before court operations were downsized due to Covid-19 lockdown measures.
Chivayo stated in court that the money paid to Kazhanje was payment of consultancy services that were rendered to his firm before Kazhanje was appointed ZPC board chairman.
He admitted that his company transferred the US$10,000 into Kazhanje’s bank account for professional services rendered prior to him joining the power company’s board. Chivayo and his company argued that Kazhanje did not do anything to show favour to Intratrek Zimbabwe nor was he induced in any manner as alleged by the State.
Cecilia Mashingaidze appeared for the State and told the court that three witnesses were expected to testify when the trial resumed on September 9.
