Derick Matsengarwodzi HARARE – Sometimes, people that you trust can manipulate the law to their own advantage, according to evide...
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Derick Matsengarwodzi
HARARE – Sometimes, people that you trust can manipulate the law to their own
advantage, according to evidence provided by Strive Masiyiwa.
He revealed
this on social media captured by Tinzwei, after a prominent London lawyer
Bhadresh Gohil was sentenced to ten years in prison for conspiracy to defraud,
conspiracy to make false instruments, money laundering among other crimes.
And he
cautions people to select guidance with caution saying, “when you choose
financial or legal advisors choose very wisely. Your very life could depend on
it.”
Corruption network
“Corruption
often involves very sophisticated bankers and lawyers in Western financial centres.
When corruption happens in any African country, it usually also happens at the
same time with at least one accomplice in London or Geneva. Bhadresh Gohil is
just one of scores of international advisors who handle the sophisticated
movement of money around the world,” revealed Masiyiwa in his posts monitored by
Tinzwei.
Soon, the
entrepreneur became a state witness.
“When Mr
Gohil and other family and associates of Delta State governor James Ibori were
arrested in London, I was asked by the British government to be a state witness
in their trial. I agreed without hesitation. Being a witness in such a case is
not easy.
It meant
that I had to stop working for several weeks and just focus on preparation to
give evidence. I knew I would be grilled in an open court by expensive defence
lawyers who would try to challenge my integrity. I was told that many potential
witnesses had declined to give evidence in open court out of fear.”
The philanthropist
observation that, “a witness can help ensure justice is done. Solid evidence is
crucial in ensuring the truth is heard and that the rule of law is upheld.
Without witness testimony, criminals can operate with impunity, one of the
greatest threats to Africa’s future,” is often true.
What is impunity?
It basically
means evil actions have no legal consequences. “As a result, criminals are
allowed to stay busy committing their crimes, knowing they can get away with it
without punishment,” explains the Econet boss.
“A culture
of impunity endangers the prospects for prosperity and security in Africa in
every imaginable way. Mr Ibori's wife, his sister, and his mistress, who each
received money from the sale of the shares in V-Mobile were also arrested in
London and were sentenced to five years in prison.”
His written
witness statement were submitted and he was prepared to appear in court to be
cross-examined, but a night before the trial Mr Gohil and his associates
suddenly pleaded guilty because Masiyiwa’s statement was too strong and could
have resulted in the accused getting stiffer sentences.
Justice at last
In late
2010, Mr Gohil was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison.
However, the
rich always have a way out.
“You were a solicitor of the Supreme Court and
holding out as a man of integrity... You have brought shame on your family,
your profession and your country. When corrupt people like this get into
trouble, they often pay some of the best lawyers in the world,” the sentencing
judge mentioned.
Masiyiwa added: “Taking them on successfully requires
authorities equally determined and sophisticated in their approach. These
authorities in turn need the cooperation of witnesses prepared to stand in
court and help with the prosecution.” – Tinzwei
• This text cannot be reproduced without prior consultation with the
author. Derick Matsengarwodzi is a communication consultant, author – and
founder of The Aloe Media. Let’s interact on: Facebook or derickmats@gmail.com. Follow me on: http://tinzwei.blogspot.com or http://thehealthoracle.blogspot.com
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