Court to rule on case, in which a judge’s car was shot at, on Friday

Zvikomborero Parafini

THE man accused of shooting at High Court judge, Justice Emilia Muchawa, was back in court yesterday for continuation of trial.

Nation Musekiwa is facing criminal nuisance charges.

The State had initially indicated that it intended to call a police officer from ballistics to testify on their findings on the pellet gun used in the offence.

However, Anesu Chirenje, for the State, agreed with Dumisani Mthombeni, who is representing Musekiwa, that there was no need for the second witness to testify because the ballistic report was sufficient evidence.

It confirmed that a pellet gun was used.

Chirenje submitted the ballistics report and closed his case.

Mthombeni told the court that he would file an application for discharge at the close of the State’s case.

Magistrate Mashavakure will make a ruling on March 17.

Allegations are that on January 31 at around 7.30pm, Justice Muchawa was driving home in the company of her husband, Pascal Muchawa, along Old Mazowe Road.

As they approached Tom Farm along Old Mazowe Road, they saw Musekiwa’s white Honda Civic driving in front of them.

Musekiwa then allegedly stopped his car close to the judge’s residence, and fired a shot into the air and the couple sped off to Justice Energy Bhunu’s house to seek refuge.

Justice Muchawa reported the shooting to the police and detectives found a 9mm cartridge close to her gate. Musekiwa handed himself over to the police on February 1.