adminZvikomborero Parafini
THE trial involving Feedmix director, John Taylor, yesterday took a new twist after he failed to explain the differences between the two statements he was recorded by the two investigating officers in the matter he is accusing his co-director of animal cruelty.
The suspect in the matter, Yitbarek Tekie, appeared before Harare magistrate Barbra Mateko, accused of hitting a horse, which was being ridden by Taylor, for trial continuation.
Representing Tekie, lawyer Oscar Gasva, produced two statements which Taylor gave to the police when he reported the matter.
He questioned him, during cross examination, as to why the statements were materially different.
“Witness you confirmed that two statements were recorded from you on February 7 and 10, why are they materially different yet they relate to the same set of events?
“In particular, in the other statement, you said you were injured and insulted but in the other one you said he threatened to assault you but you fled, why are they different if it all transpired on the same day?”
Taylor struggled to explain the material difference and said he was told by the SPCA employees to omit some of the information when he made his reports.
The State, represented by Thomas Chanakira, attempted to object to the production of the second statement.
The objection was overruled by magistrate Mateko. Taylor was accused of abusing the justice system pending the two’s arbitration over the Feedmix dispute.
He has reported five criminal charges against Tekie.
Taylor was also questioned on an allegation that he bribed vendors who were at the scene to testify in his favour.
The matter is back in court on June 27 for trial continuation and the State is expected to call the second witness.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter