OFFICIALS from the MDC led by Professor Welshman Ncube are reportedly scrambling to retrieve $2 000 bail money, paid for the now acquitted Charles Thomas, who faced treason charges, with the intention of sharing the funds. RICHARD MUPONDE SENIOR COURT REPORTER
Thomas had been charged with John Gazi and fugitive Paul Siwela, who fled the country fearing for his life.
Gazi was acquitted early in the year before Thomas’ acquittal last week.
Siwela is the only one left with a pending case.
The trio had been charged with attempting to remove a constitutionally elected government and when they were granted bail, it was paid to the MDC.
Party officials are now reportedly scrambling for the money and intend to share it.
Southern Eye is reliably informed that a number of MDC officials have been to the High Court, where they have enquired about the money.
“However, the problem is that the money is in the name of one Edwin Ndlovu who paid the bail so no one can retrieve it except him,” a source revealed.
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Contacted for comment, Ndlovu — who was MDC Bulawayo spokesperson before he joined the Tsvangirai-led faction and later the Renewal team — confirmed the jostling by party members, but declined to reveal the names.
“It’s true, people are jostling to get the money. They have been in and out of the High Court trying to get the money,” he said.
“Some have even gone to media houses trying to tarnish me, claiming that I was refusing with party funds.
“However what they do not know is that it’s not party money.”
Ndlovu said he and MDC leader Ncube had raised the money.
“The money came from our personal pockets since I raised part of the amount with Professor Welshman Ncube chipping in with the other,” he said.
“The receipt is in my name and I have phoned Prof (Ncube) to advise him about the issue.
“It’s only that I am tied up with some exams, otherwise next week I will collect it and give Prof his money while I take mine.”
