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Nyore Madzianike Senior Court Reporter
Former Cabinet Minister Prisca Mupfumira has been prescribed anti-depressant medication to cure depression and will now stand trial on December 30 since her condition has improved.
This was after she withdrew her application for deferment of the matter for between six weeks and three months to allow her to recover from the depression she has been experiencing since she was sent to remand prison.
Mupfumira, who is jointly charged with Ngoni Masoka, had claimed that she was not mentally fit to stand trial.
Masoka is the former secretary for Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.
Mupfumira withdrew her application after a psychiatrist who examined her, Dr Walter Mangezi, told the court on Friday that she had improved.
She is facing two charges of criminal abuse of office and concealing a transaction from a principal.
Dr Mangezi told the court that Mupfumira exhibited some signs that pointed to severe depression.
He said he put her on Lorazepam and Sertraline, which resulted in an improvement in her condition.
“I had three sessions with her with the first being on October 16, November 21 and December 12,” said Dr Mangezi. “She is suffering from depression and anxiety.
“She has shown some symptoms of depression which are reduced interest, reduced pleasure and interest, unwarranted guilty, feeling of hopelessness and helplessness and some suicidal thoughts.
“When I saw her there were no challenges of communication and she was able to take instructions.”
Dr Mangezi told the court that while Mupfumira was fit to stand trial, she had not fully recovered and there was a likelihood of her condition worsening and this could cause further delays in the matter.
“She can follow proceedings and she is fit to stand trial, but all I am saying is that she needs time to recover,” he said.
“The trial might expose her to the source that caused her trauma in the first place.”
Asked by State counsel Mr Clemence Chimbare on whether there was need for a second opinion to determine Mupfumira’s mental condition, Dr Mangezi said it was the court’s privilege and he had no problems with it.
Magistrate Mr Chrispen Mberewere set the matter for December 30 for trial.
Online Reporter