News / National
Ex-Chiwenga's wife hires new lawyer
27 Oct 2023 at 13:44hrs | Views
Marry Mubaiwa, the embattled former model currently facing a range of alleged charges, has retained Harrison Nkomo as her new legal counsel. This choice comes in the wake of Beatrice Mtetwa, her previous attorney, abruptly withdrawing from the case, citing ongoing frustrations stemming from perceived bias within the trial court.
Mubaiwa is currently in the midst of an extended trial, facing accusations related to her alleged involvement in a plot to harm her ex-husband, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, while he was receiving medical treatment in South Africa in 2019.
Mtetwa's withdrawal was prompted by the presiding magistrate, Feresi Chakanyuka, rejecting her request to postpone Mubaiwa's trial. Mtetwa had made this request on the basis that her client, who was grappling with health issues, had recently undergone surgery and was not in a condition to stand trial. The magistrate insisted on the presentation of evidence to substantiate this claim, leading to a heated exchange and ultimately resulting in Mtetwa's departure from the courtroom, leaving Mubaiwa to face the court unrepresented.
When questioned about her intentions, a surprised Mubaiwa expressed her commitment to comply with the court's directives. The following day, she informed the court of her engagement of a new attorney, Harrison Nkomo, although he was not present in court at that time.
Mubaiwa explained that her new legal representative needed some time to acquaint himself with the complexities of the lengthy trial. In addition, she provided a medical affidavit as evidence of her recent leg surgery. In response, the magistrate granted Nkomo one week to familiarize himself with the case before the trial resumed.
The magistrate noted, "The court has reviewed the medical evidence, which indicated that she had undergone a minor operation, though it did not specify her fitness to follow the proceedings. Nevertheless, this issue has become irrelevant as the accused has engaged a new legal practitioner. Therefore, since the trial is already in progress, the new legal representative should be granted time to prepare. Consequently, the trial has been postponed to November 7th."
The court rejected Mubaiwa's request for a postponement until November 16th, emphasizing the necessity to conclude the trial. It was highlighted that the trial had been ongoing since February and that a witness had been providing testimony since September. The court's decision was based on the imperative of expediting the trial proceedings, with Chiwenga, a crucial witness in the case, expected to testify before the state concludes its presentation.
Mubaiwa is currently in the midst of an extended trial, facing accusations related to her alleged involvement in a plot to harm her ex-husband, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, while he was receiving medical treatment in South Africa in 2019.
Mtetwa's withdrawal was prompted by the presiding magistrate, Feresi Chakanyuka, rejecting her request to postpone Mubaiwa's trial. Mtetwa had made this request on the basis that her client, who was grappling with health issues, had recently undergone surgery and was not in a condition to stand trial. The magistrate insisted on the presentation of evidence to substantiate this claim, leading to a heated exchange and ultimately resulting in Mtetwa's departure from the courtroom, leaving Mubaiwa to face the court unrepresented.
Mubaiwa explained that her new legal representative needed some time to acquaint himself with the complexities of the lengthy trial. In addition, she provided a medical affidavit as evidence of her recent leg surgery. In response, the magistrate granted Nkomo one week to familiarize himself with the case before the trial resumed.
The magistrate noted, "The court has reviewed the medical evidence, which indicated that she had undergone a minor operation, though it did not specify her fitness to follow the proceedings. Nevertheless, this issue has become irrelevant as the accused has engaged a new legal practitioner. Therefore, since the trial is already in progress, the new legal representative should be granted time to prepare. Consequently, the trial has been postponed to November 7th."
The court rejected Mubaiwa's request for a postponement until November 16th, emphasizing the necessity to conclude the trial. It was highlighted that the trial had been ongoing since February and that a witness had been providing testimony since September. The court's decision was based on the imperative of expediting the trial proceedings, with Chiwenga, a crucial witness in the case, expected to testify before the state concludes its presentation.
Source - zimlive
