Sonny Phiri's case dismissed

The case of Bulawayo businessman, Sonny Phiri, who was being accused of allegedly having sex with a minor was Wednesday dismissed by the court due to lack of evidence.

It was suspected that Phiri (51), who is married to former Miss Zimbabwe, Lorraine Maphala, started bedding the 18-year-old girl who lives in his neighbourhood at Selborne Park in Bulawayo when she was 15.

Despite attracting a crowd that lingered in the passage on the first floor at the Tredgold courts, the beauty queen who was clad in a white jacket, black tights and heels appeared calm and supportive of her husband as they waited outside the area public prosecutor's door.

The matter was, however, concluded privately in the office with the area public prosecutor, Simon Mleya, saying there was no evidence of the crime.

However, Mleya could not shed much light on the matter, advising the media to be cautious as the case involved a minor.

"The matter will not be taken to court because of lack of evidence. That is all I can tell you for now. We advise the media to handle the matter with care as the girl involved is a minor. She is young, she may not be able to deal with the media pressure," he said.

After the private session in the area public prosecutor office, Phiri walked out embracing the girl who
was weeping and they hurried out of the building.

A few minutes later, Maphala who was now wearing shades, walked out of the office with Phiri's lawyer.