An outspoken Zimbabwean businessman and senior ruling-party lawmaker, Phillip Chiyangwa, arrested at the weekend for obstructing the course of justice in a fraud probe, is due to appear in court on Monday, police said.
Chiyangwa, chairperson of the ruling Zanu-PF party in Mashonaland West province, was arrested during investigations into the ENG Capital asset management company.
Two of the company’s directors are accused of defrauding clients of more than Z$61-billion ($77-million), and were arrested last week.
Police spokesperson Wayne Bvudzijena said Chiyangwa was ”likely to appear in court today [Monday], but if he fails he will appear tomorrow”.
Bvudzijena said investigating officers had found new evidence and were sifting through it before the flamboyant legislator would be taken to court.
A High Court issued an order for his release from custody on Sunday, but the police ignored the order.
”There is new evidence and we are still looking into it,” said Bvudzijena.
Charges against Chiyangwa arose from his alleged protection of the ENG directors during police investigations and threats he issued to a police officer.
ENG Capital Asset Management owned Century Discount House, which was shut down and had its banking licence cancelled by the central bank after failing to pay funds owed to investors. — Sapa-AFP