In a major victory for former Gokwe-Nembudziya MP Justice Mayor Wadayajena, the High Court has ordered the release of his fleet of vehicles, including a luxurious Lamborghini SUV, which were seized in August 2022 in connection with fraud charges.

Wadayajena, a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, was accused of defrauding the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) of US$5.8 million, along with five others. However, the charges were dramatically dropped in 2023 before plea, leaving many questions unanswered.

In a landmark ruling, Justice Tawanda Chitapi declared that the continued seizure of Wadayajena’s vehicles was unlawful, as the authorities had failed to apply for an extension beyond the initial 30-day period. This technicality proved to be the Achilles’ heel in the state’s case, paving the way for Wadayajena’s vindication.

The High Court’s decision is a significant blow to the state’s prosecution team, which had hoped to keep the vehicles as evidence in the event of future proceedings. However, with the charges dropped and the vehicles released, Wadayajena can finally put the ordeal behind him.

This dramatic turn of events raises important questions about the rule of law and the importance of due process in Zimbabwe’s justice system. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Justice Mayor Wadayajena has emerged victorious in this high-stakes legal battle.