Gishon Ntini's wife testifies in court

Football coach Gishon Ntini, who is accused of indecently assaulting a woman he held responsible for the disappearance of his son, yesterday brought his wife to court to testify on his behalf during his trial at Mbare magistrate's court.

Magaret Jemsta, however, had a difficult time substantiating her testimony during cross-examination by prosecutor Mr Tafara Chirambira as her storyline differed from her husband's version.

Jemsta failed to answer most of the questions Mr Chirambira asked. In despair, she told the court that although her husband was angry, she believed he had not indecently assaulted Fortune Sweto. Ntini was brought to his defence after magistrate Ms Bianca Mkwande, dismissed his application for discharge saying the State had managed to prove a prima facie case against him.

He is expected back in court on December 16 for judgment. Mr Chirambira, alleged that on July 17 this year, Ntini approached Sweto and asked her on the whereabouts of his son. The court heard that Sweto had taken the boy from a school in Mufakose accusing him of breaking her DVD player.

Sweto told Ntini that she did not know where his son was as they had taken different routes from the police station, it is alleged. Ntini allegedly accused her of kidnapping his son and assaulted her several times, tearing her blouse in the scuffle.

It is the State's case that in a fit of rage Ntini "pulled" Sweto's breasts. She was rescued from further attack by a taxi driver. Sweto then reported the matter to the police leading to Ntini's arrest. The boy has since been found.