Detective, witness in the case of Gwisai fails to produce ID again

A HARARE magistrate has ordered the star witness in the case of Munyaradzi Gwisai and five others accused of inciting violence to bring a photo of himself for comparison with the ones produced by the six's defence team.

The witness, detective sergeant Jonathan Shoko argues that the pictures that depict him in different scenarios were doctored.

Gwisai, who is a University of Zimbabwe law lecturer, is jointly charged with Antoneta Choto (36), Tatenda Mombeyarara (29), Edson Chakuma (38), Hopewell Gumbo (32) and Welcome Zimuto (25).

During cross examination, lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama, who sought to prove that Det Sgt Shoko was not a policeman, asked him to produce his police identity card or his national ID but the detective said he had misplaced both particulars.

This is the second time now that the detective has failed to furnish the court with his particulars insisting that he misplaced them.

He said he had already identified himself to the court on his initial appearance.

"This nose of yours was very popular at St Faith," asked Mr Muchadehama of which Det Sgt Shoko denied saying he never attended the school.

Mr Muchadehama further asked him if he knew of a cartoon character called Pinocchio and the detective said he did not watch cartoons.

"I am advised that at St Faith you were nicknamed Pinocchio because of your distinctive nose," said Mr Muchadehama.

The policeman denied the averments.

Mr Muchadehama told the court that at one time Det Segt Shoko attended an MDC dinner masquerading as a journalist and produced an identity card with the name Rodwell Chitiyo, which the witness denied.

Mr Muchadehama further suggested to the witness that he had pictures of him enjoying a meal at the dinner. Sgt Shoko said, "That Chitiyo maybe is my look alike and is creating this confusion."

The trial was adjourned to tomorrow for continuation with the cross-examination of the witness.

The last time the trial was adjourned, the defence argued the Det Sgt Shoko was a member of the Central Intelligence Organisation and his real name is Rodwell Chitiyo.

Photocopied documents bearing the name of Rodwell Chitiyo, which included a birth certificate, national identity, his facebook extracts and a passport were produced in court.

Also produced were photos including a school group photo, which the defence said, was taken at St Faith High School in Rusape.

But the detective argues that Rodwell Chitiyo was probably his look alike.

The offence was allegedly committed on February 19 this year at Zimbabwe Labour Centre, at Number 43 Julius Nyerere Way in Harare.

The States says Gwisai, a co-ordinator of the International Socialist Organisation and his accomplices connived to forcibly disturb peace, security and order of the public in Zimbabwe.

It is alleged they agreed to mobilise Zimbabweans to revolt against the Government and demand the resignation of President Mugabe, the Egyptian way.

Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, was forced to resign after a revolt in which Government buildings were burnt, vehicles stoned and several people were injured or killed by people taking part in the revolt.

It is alleged that the six also acted together with the intention to endanger, promote or expose to hatred, contempt or ridicule the President and Government of Zimbabwe.

They allegedly delivered speeches encouraging participants to mobilise people to revolt against the President. They allegedly showed the people some videos and circulated some documents.