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Woman threatens to kill complainant in her case
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Elizabeth Parirenyatwa Mucheche, a Harare woman, appeared before the Harare Magistrates Court on charges of perjury and issuing death threats against businessman Brian Murphy. The case has attracted significant attention, with allegations of forged documents and threats of violence.
Mucheche, accused of forging documents to claim a contested estate, appeared before Magistrate Dennis Mangosi, where the State presented its case. Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi outlined the charges, revealing that Mucheche had allegedly fabricated a power of attorney in October 2022, claiming it was signed by Anne Rhodes, despite Rhodes having passed away before the document was created. The forged document was purportedly intended to give Mucheche control over the estate of Brian James Rhodes, a deceased individual to whom Mucheche has no legal or familial connection.
According to the State, Mucheche's actions were allegedly guided by the spirit of Mbuya Nehanda, whom she claimed instructed her to reclaim the estate, which she asserts was wrongfully taken by Rhodes. The State has suggested that Mucheche may be suffering from a mental health condition and has requested that the case proceed under the Mental Health Act.
The defense, however, opposed this application, arguing that the proceedings should not be based on a mental health defense. Despite these objections, Magistrate Mangosi ruled that Mucheche should remain in custody until Friday for a bail hearing and a mental health evaluation.
In addition to the perjury charges, Mucheche is also accused of issuing death threats against Murphy. The court heard that in July 2024, Mucheche confronted Murphy and threatened to kill him after he reported her alleged perjury to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Highlands.
The case has sparked public interest, particularly due to Mucheche's claims of spiritual guidance and the complexity surrounding the alleged fraud. The court proceedings will continue, with a decision on bail and mental health evaluation expected soon.
Mucheche, accused of forging documents to claim a contested estate, appeared before Magistrate Dennis Mangosi, where the State presented its case. Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi outlined the charges, revealing that Mucheche had allegedly fabricated a power of attorney in October 2022, claiming it was signed by Anne Rhodes, despite Rhodes having passed away before the document was created. The forged document was purportedly intended to give Mucheche control over the estate of Brian James Rhodes, a deceased individual to whom Mucheche has no legal or familial connection.
According to the State, Mucheche's actions were allegedly guided by the spirit of Mbuya Nehanda, whom she claimed instructed her to reclaim the estate, which she asserts was wrongfully taken by Rhodes. The State has suggested that Mucheche may be suffering from a mental health condition and has requested that the case proceed under the Mental Health Act.
The defense, however, opposed this application, arguing that the proceedings should not be based on a mental health defense. Despite these objections, Magistrate Mangosi ruled that Mucheche should remain in custody until Friday for a bail hearing and a mental health evaluation.
In addition to the perjury charges, Mucheche is also accused of issuing death threats against Murphy. The court heard that in July 2024, Mucheche confronted Murphy and threatened to kill him after he reported her alleged perjury to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Highlands.
The case has sparked public interest, particularly due to Mucheche's claims of spiritual guidance and the complexity surrounding the alleged fraud. The court proceedings will continue, with a decision on bail and mental health evaluation expected soon.
Source - the herald
