Zimbabwe's High Court has acquitted the country's energy minister of corruption charges, saying the state failed to produce evidence against him.

Elton Mangoma was accused of bypassing purchasing procedures when he secured a $5 million fuel order from South Africa.

Harare High Court Judge Chinembiri Bhunu dismissed the charges Tuesday, saying state witnesses had confirmed Mangoma was acting to ease fuel supplies.

A lawyer for Mangoma says he still faces another similar case, which goes to court on July 18.

Mangoma is deputy treasurer of the Movement for Democratic Change, a partner in Zimbabwe's fragile unity government.

The MDC has accused coalition partner ZANU-PF of politically persecuting its leaders and supporters.

The parties formed the unity government after disputed and violent elections in 2008.