dyton mupawaenda
Zvikomborero Parafini
MADZIBABA Ishmael Chokurongerwa has seemingly developed cold feet after his lawyers opposed the State’s application for the court to visit his shrine as they lead evidence from their last witness.
Chokurongerwa (54) is appearing together with Takavengwa Gwenzi (55), Siribiniyo Chikunhire (53), Wonder Kabaya (41), Devlodge Katsande (48), Zebedia Sigudu (49), Aaron Chokurongerwa (47) and Shingirai Ngavafume (42), all from Lilly Farm in Nyabira and they are all are facing three counts of ill-treating children, conducting a burial without a burial order and failing to give notice of the birth and death of a person.
District Public Prosecutor Tafara Chirambira submitted that they intend to lead evidence from their last witness at the shrine because it is their intention for the court to observe the goings on at the shrine and for the court to view the graves they allege were not registered.
Chirambira insisted that Chokurongerwa and his accomplices would not suffer any prejudice because the state papers alleged from the onset that the offences were committed at the shrine and all witnesses thus far have referred to the shrine.
He also submitted that the state is well within its rights to choose how it prosecutes its state case and it cannot choose what and how evidence is led by the state as long as all has been discovered and no new material is produced.
Chokurongerwa through their lawyers are opposed to the application and are set to file a written response.
Magistrate Christine Nyandoro is expected to file a ruling on August 27.
Online Reporter