Wenslus Murape
Zvikomborero Parafini
A businesswoman, who was being charged for perjury in a case in which comedienne Felistas Mai Tt Murata was a complainant, has been ordered to pay a fine after she was convicted on Wednesday.
The now convict Melissa Munyorove was found guilty after a full trial by Harare magistrate Lynn Chizhou.
She was ordered to pay a fine of US$100.
In addition, she was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, which were wholly suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offense in the next five years.
The State represented by Kudzanai Mudzamiri proved that Murata was owing Munyorove US$3120 and the parties agreed that she would pay US$500 every month.
On May 13, Munyorove swore under oath, in form of an affidavit, that she had served summons to Murata on April 30 at 1245pm at her shop. This was however, not true.
Munyorove then tendered the affidavit to the magistrate court (small claims court).
The court acted upon the affidavit and gave a judgement in Murata’s default which was in favour of Munyorove.
The matter came to light when the messenger of court went to Murata’s place to attach property as per judgement which was given by the magistrate court.
That is when she became aware of the default judgement, which was made by the courts.
In following up on the matter Murata discovered the said affidavit and went on to pay the US$3 140 she owed to avoid her property being attached although she had already paid US$1 100 as per their agreement.
Online Reporter