Clay pot causes stir at courts

Sukoluhle Ndlovu
IF there is a criminal in Gweru who walked scot-free from a water-tight trial they must be behind the strange clay pot pictured.

In a bizarre incident suspected to be an act of witchcraft, a strange clay pot wrapped in a red cloth was found at the Gweru magistratea��s courts entrance on Tuesday morning.

Business came to a standstill at the court as state witnesses and other court attendees jostled to get a glimpse of the pot while some were scared to enter the court premises.

When B-Metro arrived at the scene, there was chaos and pandemonium as the rowdy crowd most of whom had come to attend the bail hearing of suspended Gweru Mayor Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi, his deputy Atwell

Matyorauta and Town Clerk Daniel Matawu made fun of the pot which they claimed had supernatural powers so that the bail ruling could be in their favour, and if removed could cause chaos and damage.

It took one brave prosecutor, Andrew Marimo to dispose of the clay pot that he threw into a litter bin at the court entrance.

A witness, Sandy Sithole, said the pot was discovered by the security personnel at the court in the morning before the courts opened.

She said most people suspected that it could have been an act of witchcraft in search for freedom.

a�?This is pure witchcraft and I think someone could have left it here, so that his or her case can be ruled in their favour. People can tamper with justice using this,a�? she said.

Another witness, Andrea Maruva said it could only be mind games and did not suspect any witchcraft taking into consideration that it was disposed of and nothing happened.

a�?I think the clay bowl was meant to scare and does not contain any supernatural powers. These can be mind games,a�? he said.