Zimbabwe’s health minister has been charged with criminal abuse of duty as a public officer, accused of illegally awarding a multimillion-dollar contract for Covid-19 testing kits, drugs and personal protective equipment to a shadowy company. The health minister, a former hospital administrator, faces a fine or up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The prosecution originally opposed bail, arguing he could flee before the conclusion of the case, but did not request that in court. Most traders charge for their goods in US dollars in the southern African country, which has long faced economic collapse. Health professionals have also complained about lack of adequate protective gear as the number of coronavirus cases rises.

Source: Irish Independent June 20, 2020 11:20 UTC