Lawyers dump Rushwaya

Samukange assisted by Mr Dumisani Mthombeni and Mr Tafadzwa Hungwe asked to be excused from the case if trial was to continue yesterday.
When the matter resumed after a lunch break, the State read out the charges to Rushwaya who was not represented.
She asked the court to postpone the matter so she could seek a new legal team.
“As I stand it is just me no legal representation, I have no documentation, it is my plea to seek legal representation,” she told the court.
Rushwaya said her lawyers were also inconveniencing her.
“I was perturbed when my lawyers said they would not be available this afternoon (yesterday)”.
In response, prosecutor Mr Oliver Marwa, who was being assisted by Mr Sidom Chinzete, said the State and court were not being personal but had a mandate to deliver justice.
He said the lawyers’ behaviour was prejudicing Rushwaya.
Mr Marwa said considering the magnitude of the case, it would be unfair for her to be denied a chance to find a new legal team.
Ms Chivasa ruled in favour of Rushwaya saying she had nothing against her and she did not even know her.
“It is unfortunate the legal counsel abandoned you at the 11th hour. These courts should be respected in the same manner we respect all players in this system, lawyers included,” she said.
She said other players such as witnesses had also come to attend court, adding that trial would proceed today without excuses.