adminMathew Masinge
THE trial of a Chitungwiza man, accused of assaulting four schoolboys, before forcing them to roll in mud, did not get underway, as expected, yesterday.
Prosper Tirivavi, a former soldier, intended to plead against the four counts of assault.
However, his lawyer applied for postponement, claiming there was outstanding video evidence they expected from the State.
Chitungwiza regional magistrate, Steven Musona, presided over the hearing.
Tirivavi’s lawyer submitted that the video evidence would help his client arrive at an informed decision.
“We are applying for the trial to be postponed, on the basis that there is outstanding video evidence, which the State must serve us.
“After going through the evidence, my client will make a plea based on the agreed facts.
“The State is also supposed to reduce writing the statement because some of the current facts are prejudicial to the accused,” said the lawyer.
The State was not opposed to the postponement.
“We have agreed that the accused will plead to all four counts after we serve them with the video evidence which the court will use in aggravation,” submitted the State.
The regional magistrate allowed the postponement to August 11 to allow the State to provide the video in question.
It is the State’s case that on a day unknown to the prosecutor, Tirivavi allegedly found the four boys playing at their school gate.
Allegations are that he kidnapped the boys and took them to a river where he ordered them to do rigorous push-ups.
He assaulted them using a whip during the process.
He also ordered them to roll in mud a number of times.
His dogs stood guard.
His actions were captured on video.
Tirivavi later force-marched the boys back to their school where he surrendered them to their deputy headmaster, Simbarashe Mapfumo.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter