Court turns down withdrawal application

A MUTARE magistrate turned down the withdrawal of a criminal case after the complainant told the court that he was bribed by the accused person's relatives with $500.

Manica Post reported that Tendai Jekwa told Mutare provincial magistrate, Lucie-Anne Mungwari, that Togara Mupazi (39) and Tafadzwa Matika (35)'s parents had promised to give him $500 if he withdrew the charges before plea.

"They said if I withdraw the charges, it will spare Mupazi and Matika jail and by doing so they will pay me $250 for my medication and another $250 as compensation, making it $500," he told the court.

The pair appeared before Mungwari facing assault charges emanating from an incident in which they assaulted Jekwa with logs and fists.

Public prosecutor, Fletcher Karombe, said: "The two accused persons where with Jekwa when he attempted to restrain them from attacking a colleague. This did not go down well with both of them as they turned against him."

Jekwa sustained swollen cheeks and bruises and was medically examined.
Mungwari said the court could not withdraw the charges as it was clear that the accused people's relatives were trying to bribe the complainant.

The pair was, however, sentenced to three months imprisonment which was wholly suspended on condition of good behaviour for the next five years.