In a shocking turn of events, former High Court judge Benjamin Paradza is set to return home after President Emmerson Mnangagwa granted him a full pardon. Paradza was convicted of corruption charges in 2006 but fled the country before sentencing. Now, after years of lobbying, he’s finally getting the green light to come back.
Paradza was accused of trying to bribe three judges to release the passport of his business associate, Russell Wayne Labuschagne, who was facing murder allegations. Labuschagne was eventually jailed for 15 years for the death of a man who allegedly trespassed into his fish farm in Kariba.
Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi announced the pardon in a Government Gazette, citing Section 112(1)(a) and (b) of the Constitution. This means Paradza will never face sentencing for his crimes.
Sources close to the matter claim that Paradza is suffering from a terminal illness and his family has been lobbying for his return. The government seems to have taken pity on him, considering his age and war veteran status.
It’s worth noting that Paradza’s pardon comes after years of living abroad, where he was admitted as a lawyer by the New Zealand Bar in 2011. One can’t help but wonder if his illness is just a convenient excuse for the government to grant him a pardon.
The pardon has raised eyebrows, especially considering Paradza’s history. Many are questioning the government’s decision, given the seriousness of the corruption charges against him.
In the end, Paradza gets to return home, and his family gets to care for him. It’s a win-win situation for them, but what about justice?
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