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Fidelis Munyoro Chief Court Reporter
The wife of slain gold dealer Allan Lawrence Banks yesterday apologised in court for making racial remarks while testifying in the trial of George Francis Lovell accused of murdering her husband.
Lovell (31) allegedly killed Banks before stashing his body in the boot of his car.
Mrs Monica Banks had told the court that her husband was killed by black people.
During cross-examination defence lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu confronted her testimony over the racial slur, resulting in her apologising.
He asked her to point out to black people in the court room and why she referred to people as black.
She then apologised saying her remarks were inappropriate.
But Adv Mpofu suggested to Mrs Banks that her apology was not genuine.
“Why do you think that your husband was killed by black people and not people from any other race?” he asked her and she answered: “Who else could have killed him?”
Mrs Banks then referred to black people as “these people”, and Adv Mpofu again took her to task over the phrase “these people”.
“I hope this is the last time that you are going to make a racist remark while in court and anywhere else,” said Adv Mpofu.
Mrs Banks apologised for the use of the words, saying even in hairdressing they were taught about ethnic people and ethnic hair.
Lovell (31) of 88 Glenara Avenue, Hillside, and also owner of Invollata Mining Group, was on the run since July 2012 after allegedly committing the murder.
He is alleged to have also made off with US$20 000, but he is denying the murder charge.
Justice Joseph Musakwa, sitting with assessors Mr Tennyson Gweme and Mr Gilbert Chakuvinga, is hearing the case.
Online Reporter