THE editor of the official newspaper for Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party has been bailed by a magistrate after appearing in court charged with theft by conversion.
Lovemore Mataire, editor of The Voice and close confidante of Zimbabwe’s ruling elite is accused of diverting $6 million from the publication into his personal savings account over a period of 14 months.
State prosecutors say Mataire instructed the newspaper’s street vendors to deposit money generated through sales into his personal account between April 2004 and October 2005.
Harare magistrate Robin Mzyece released the journalist on $500 000 bail and ordered him to return to court on January 3, 2006.
State prosecutor, Blessing Mhande, told the court Thursday that Mataire instructed vendors to deposit money realised from sales into his Central African Building Society (CABS), which he went on to withdraw and use.
Since he took over the editorship of the paper two years ago, Mataire has found himself at the end of accusations of not being up to the task.
In one scathing attack, President Robert Mugabe’s spokesman George Charamba savaged the former Herald reporter, calling him a "failed and incompetent editor who makes spectacular political and editorial goofs".
Mataire, who escaped prosecution two years ago after causing the death of a Central Intelligence Officer in an accident while driving a Zanu PF car is said to enjoy the support of Zanu PF's information supremo, Nathan Shamuyarira.
