dyton mupawaenda
Zvikomborero Parafini
Comedienne Felistas ‘Mai Tt’ Murata was yesterday fined and sternly warned for defaulting court by Harare magistrate Lynn Chizhou.
Murata, through her lawyer Tafadzwa Muvhami , submitted that she defaulted court on August 19, because she had attended her father’s burial.
Muvhami added that although Murata did not have any documentation such as a death certificate or burial order, the funeral was widely publicised and she wasn’t in wilful default.
Magistrate Chizhou ruled that she was not convinced by the submissions made as there was no documentation to support the claims.
Moreover, she said Murata had developed a habit of defaulting court as this was the second time this month and therefore confirmed the warrant.
Murata was fined US$30 forthwith or risk being imprisoned for one month.
Murata is the complainant in the perjury case against Melissa Munyorove.
The court heard that Murata was owing Munyorove US$3120 and the parties agreed that she would pay US$500 every month.
It is the State’s case that on May 13, Munyorove swore under oath in form of an affidavit that she had served summons to Murata on April 30, at 1245pm at her shop knowing well that she actually had not served her.
Munyorove allegedly then tendered the affidavit to the magistrate court (small claims court).
The court acted upon the affidavit and gave a judgement in Murata’s default which was in favour of Munyorove.
The matter came to light when the messenger of court went to Murata’s place to attach property as per judgement which was given by the magistrate court.
That is when the she became to know about the default judgement which was made by the courts.
In following up on the matter Murata discovered the said affidavit and went on to pay the money US$3 140 she owed to avoid her property being attached.
Although she had already paid US$1 100 as per agreement they had made.
Trial is expected to commence today.
Online Reporter