A Chinhoyi magistrate has acquitted expelled Mashonaland West and former Zanu PF legislator, Temba Mliswa, who was facing charges of theft and illegal possession of six firearms.
In his judgement Thursday, Felix Mawadza said the state failed to prove that Mliswa stole and possessed the firearms at his Spring Farm near Karoi town.
He said key witness, Steadfine Mashiri, was not supposed to be used by the state prosecutor as he was facing the same charges.
Mliswa’s lawyer Musindo Hungwe was happy about the outcome of the case, saying justice has been properly served.
The former Hurungwe West Member of Parliament is expected to contest the forthcoming parliamentary by-election in the constituency, left vacant following his recall by President Robert Mugabe’s party.
He was accused of allegedly supporting a Zanu PF group, which the party claimed wanted to topple the president in its elective congress last December.