Court adjourned as suspect goes into a trance, roaring like a lion

A suspect forced a court session to adjourn at the Harare Magistrate Courts last week after she fell into a trance and a relative in the gallery started clapping, urging on the spirit.

Presiding magistrate Ms Audrey Tarugarira stopped proceeding after warning Silvia Chikumbi (48) that she was in contempt of court.

Chikumbi was jointly charged with Febbie Mataka (53), Juliana Chivambe and Claris Vela for assault and criminal assault.

But she was possessed by an "ancestral spirit" and started roaring like a lion in the middle of trial.

This was immediately after the complainant who is a 15 year-old girl had testified.

Chikumbi was remanded to February 20 for the continuation of trial.

Prosecutor Mr Chrispen Mavengano alleged that on an unknown date, but in September 2010, the girl went to Mataka's house since she was impregnated by her son.
The girl alleged that she was raped and Chikumbi's son is facing rape charges at the same court.

Upon arrival at the house, the girl who was in the company of her aunt and sister were told that they were not welcome.

Chikumbi and her co-accused assaulted the girl, branding her a prostitute.

In the same month, the girl proceeded to Chivambe's house with her parents to negotiate on the pregnancy.

Chikumbi's co-accused Vera -who was at Chivambe's house - forcibly removed the girl's blouse in full view of her parents asking them if her breasts were those of a pregnant woman.

Chivambe removed the girl's pants and told her parents that she wanted to assault her private parts, which caused her to misbehave.