adminMathew Masinge
THE case of slain Murewa boy, Tapiwa Makore, yesterday failed to get underway amid indications prosecutors handling the case were engaged in another murder trial.
His death grabbed headlines after it emerged he was abducted, while attending to the family’s vegetable garden on September 17, 2020.
There were also reports his body parts were meant to be sold to a sangoma.
Four suspects, including herdman Tafadzwa Shamba, Tapiwa Makore Senior, Maud Hunidzarira and Thanks Makore, are accused of being behind the suspected ritual murder.
Thanks and Maud are out on bail.
Shamba already confessed to kidnapping, drugging and mutilating the boy so that he would sell the body parts to a witch doctor for US$1 500.
The State applied for the postponement saying the same prosecutors, handling the Makore hearing, had a pending murder trial before another judge.
“We are applying that the matter be postponed and be accommodated from October 3 to 14 because the prosecutors seized with the matter are also engaged in another matter before another Judge,” submitted the prosecution
Justice Priscilla Munangati-Manongwa granted the postponement urging all the accused to file their defence before the return date.
“The prosecutors responsible for fielding charges against the accused say they are engaged in another matter, therefore, the matter cannot go on.
“Defence legal practitioners should also take this time to take instructions from their clients and file outstanding defence outlines.
“All the accused persons granted bail should adhere to their bail conditions, including not interfering, with witnesses,” ruled the judge.
Witnesses, including the late Tapiwa’s mother Linda Munyori, James Makore, Julia Kamunda, Sama Murwira, Joseph Nyambuwa, Joina Tangirire, Joromiya Madimbu and Andrew Nyadundu have been advised to attend the October 3 hearing.
The remains of the late Tapiwa were buried in March last year, seven months after the gruesome murder.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter