Former Mashonaland West Minister of State, Reuben Marumahoko, was detained overnight following his arrest on fraud charges related to the alleged misuse of agricultural resources.
Marumahoko, who previously served as a deputy minister in several departments, including Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, and Regional Integration and International Cooperation, is accused of misappropriating inputs from a government agricultural initiative.
During his court appearance, Magistrate Nyasha Marufu postponed the decision on his bail application until tomorrow.
Prosecutor Brighton Machekera argued that Marumahoko might attempt to flee or interfere with witnesses, emphasizing that he delayed turning himself in despite efforts by authorities to interview him.
The allegations center on Marumahoko’s involvement in the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority’s (ARDA) joint venture program with commercial farmers.
According to the prosecution, he applied for and received significant inputs—2.5 tonnes of maize seed, 1,300 bags of Compound D fertilizer, and various chemicals—intended for planting 200 hectares of maize.
However, authorities claim he only cultivated 46 hectares, allegedly selling the excess inputs, leading to a loss of $37,950 for ARDA.
The case intensified as Marumahoko’s wife, Andy Maririmba, was also arrested on similar charges over the weekend.
Both now face an ongoing investigation into their alleged involvement in the misuse of state resources.
