HARARE – Former jailbird and advisor to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor Munyaradzi Kereke, arrested on fraud allegations last week, has been granted US$200 bail.
Kereke is jointly charged together with Everisto Rukasha, a former executive at the Harare Municipal Medical Aid Society (HMMAS).
The two are accused of defrauding HMMAS of US $137,000.
Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa said bail is a constitutional right which should accorded to all accused persons unless if there are compelling reasons to deny one.
“The state conceded that the two have serious ties to this jurisdiction.
“The accused are not flight risks and will be able to stand trial.
“Also, accused have a right to be seen as innocent until proven guilty.
“Since both of the accused are on bail pending trial it appeal, it shows that they have never flouted bail conditions granted to them by the higher courts.
“To say they are flight risks when they have never shown any intention to flee does not hold water,” said the magistrate before granting the pair their freedom.
Under their bail conditions, the two were also ordered not interfere with witnesses.
They will be back in court on December 13 for their routine remand.
