Top lawyer withdraws from trial amid police intimidation claims

A prominent Harare lawyer, Musindo Hungwe, has sensationally withdrawn from representing one of the suspects in the high-profile trial of armed robber Godknows Machingura, citing threats from police officers. Hungwe, who was defending Paul Zhou (55), a suspect in the gang led by the late Machingura, informed the court that he had been subjected to intimidation by members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Homicide.

The dramatic turn of events occurred during the ongoing trial of Zhou, alongside South African nationals Ndiafhi Makhado (39), Andrew Masubelele (38), and Emmanuel Makamo (22), who are all accused of being part of Machingura's notorious gang. Machingura, a well-known figure in Zimbabwe's Zimdancehall music scene, was shot dead earlier this year after a high-speed chase with the police following a raid on the gang's hideout. He later succumbed to his injuries at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

Hungwe's withdrawal from the case comes after he revealed to Harare magistrate Taurai Manuwere that he had been receiving threats after indicating his intention to present video evidence at the trial. The footage, which reportedly shows events during the gang's arrest, was intended to be a key part of Zhou's defense. According to Hungwe, following his announcement to use the videos, he and his colleague, lawyer Joseph Nemaisa, began receiving both overt and covert threats from CID Homicide detectives, pressuring them not to use the footage.

"I have been receiving threats of unspecified actions upon us if we continue with our approach," Hungwe told the court, visibly shaken. He explained that despite being bound by his professional duty to resist these pressures, the continued intimidation had led him to feel that he could no longer effectively represent his client.

Hungwe also revealed disturbing details about his colleague Nemaisa, who had previously worked on the case but disappeared from the proceedings after reportedly being threatened by CID officers. He further claimed that the CID had fabricated murder charges against Nemaisa, allegedly stemming from an incident over a decade ago, as part of a campaign to discredit and intimidate him.

Representing the state, district public prosecutor Tafara Chirambira expressed concern over the allegations, confirming that they would be thoroughly investigated. "What my colleague has said is disturbing, and as the National Prosecuting Authority, we will engage the Zimbabwe Republic Police at the highest level. An intensive investigation has to be done," Chirambira stated, assuring the court that a report would be submitted.

The trial has now been adjourned to November 25, with the presiding magistrate refusing a request by the alleged accomplices of Zhou to have their trials separated. Magistrate Manuwere ruled that the four suspects should face trial together, as they are believed to have acted in concert during the commission of the alleged crimes.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of high-profile suspects and the serious nature of the allegations. It has also raised concerns about the integrity of the legal process in the face of claims of police interference and intimidation. The investigation into these allegations of misconduct is expected to be a key development in the trial moving forward.