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Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
Harare Magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje has dismissed an application seeking recusal of a magistrate by five suspected hitmen who are based in South Africa.
The five were allegedly hired to kidnap and assault a local businessman, Mr Oliver Tendai Chipindu.
They were allegedly hired by Obrian Obert Mapurisa, who is on the run.
Mapurisa defrauded Chipindu of US$800 000 in a botched gas tanks deal.
Mr Mambanje dismissed the application due to lack of merit.
“Recusal is considered when the court has dealt with the same case or some of the accused persons before,” he said.
He said their application lacked substance.
The accused also failed to supply local addresses, hence they were considered a flight risk.
The matter has proceeded to trial.
Online Reporter