Killer pit bulls owner denied bail

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

BLUFF HILL killer pitbulls owner Mike Mapinga was yesterday denied bail after Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa upheld the State’s arguments that the accused, who had two outstanding warrants of arrest, poses a flight risk.

The warrants were issued against him on two cases which include of a rape and were only cancelled after his recent arrest.

The magistrate stated that while the case is still in its preliminary stages, the State presented compelling evidence warranting Mapinga’s continued detention.

She emphasised that if convicted, imprisonment without the option of a fine would be the likely outcome, further increasing the likelihood of him fleeing jurisdiction.

“The court agrees with the State’s submission. The accused ignored the warning that the perimeter wall was too low to contain pitbulls, which demonstrates negligence on his part. He failed to respond or dispute this claim, showing a prima facie case against him,” Magistrate Gofa said.

“If released on bail, the accused will abscond. He has outstanding warrants of arrest, and this offense was committed while he was already on bail. He has no plausible defence, making him an unsuitable candidate for bail. The court, therefore, orders his continued detention.”