Online Reporter
Zvikomborero Parafini
Zimpapers Reporter
The Acting Registrar of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, Colin Benyure, was convicted of perjury and sentenced to a suspended prison term on Friday.
Harare regional magistrate Donald Ndirowei handed down a six-month imprisonment sentence following a full trial. However, the sentence was wholly suspended for five years on condition that Benyure does not commit a similar offence during that period.
The State, led by prosecutor Tendai Tapi, proved that Benyure had given false testimony under oath. The incident occurred on November 6, when Benyure was called as a defence witness in the criminal case of Lenon Gwaunza.
Gwaunza had been convicted of harassing Dr Andrew Mataruse.
While under oath, Benyure unlawfully declared that he was authorised to represent the council in court and to present evidence in defence of Gwaunza. He further stated that he was the official spokesperson and that the council had revisited its decision regarding the registration of Dr Mataruse’s neurology qualifications.
The court found that Benyure knowingly made these false statements during judicial proceedings. He failed to produce any council resolution, minutes, or documentation authorising him to appear in court on the council’s behalf or supporting his claims about Dr Mataruse’s qualifications.
This conduct constituted the offence of perjury and was deemed an attempt to defeat or obstruct the course of justice by prejudicing the trial with false testimony.
