News / National
Trial of alleged SA hitmen concludes, ruling set for December 9
09 Dec 2024 at 07:12hrs | Views
The trial of five men accused of conspiring to kidnap and assault a local businessman over an alleged US$800,000 fuel tank scam concluded last week, with the prosecution presenting its final witness. The case, heard in Harare, involves South Africa-based suspects Moses Monde, Malvin Manzinde, Malvin Tatenda Nyamuranga, Norbert Muponda, and Joshua Mapuranga. They face charges of assault and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
The complainant, Oliver Tendai Chipindu, claims the suspects were hired by Obrian Mapurisa, who remains at large, to target him after a botched fuel tanks deal. Prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu led evidence from Sergeant Noreta Chiungwe, a digital forensic examiner from the Criminal Investigations Department Cyber Laboratory.
Sergeant Chiungwe detailed her analysis of an iPhone 13 belonging to Chipindu, from which she retrieved key evidence, including WhatsApp messages, text messages, and two audio recordings.
The first audio featured a three-way WhatsApp call in which the accused allegedly discussed being hired to kill Chipindu before arriving in Zimbabwe. The second recording was secretly made by Chipindu at a local lodge during his first meeting with the suspects, where they reportedly explained their mission and how it failed.
Both recordings were submitted as evidence without objection from the defense counsel, Moffat Makuvatsine.
At the close of the State's case, Mr. Makuvatsine applied for the discharge of the accused, arguing insufficient evidence to convict. Presiding magistrate Stanford Mambanje is expected to deliver his ruling on December 9.
The complainant, Oliver Tendai Chipindu, claims the suspects were hired by Obrian Mapurisa, who remains at large, to target him after a botched fuel tanks deal. Prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu led evidence from Sergeant Noreta Chiungwe, a digital forensic examiner from the Criminal Investigations Department Cyber Laboratory.
Sergeant Chiungwe detailed her analysis of an iPhone 13 belonging to Chipindu, from which she retrieved key evidence, including WhatsApp messages, text messages, and two audio recordings.
The first audio featured a three-way WhatsApp call in which the accused allegedly discussed being hired to kill Chipindu before arriving in Zimbabwe. The second recording was secretly made by Chipindu at a local lodge during his first meeting with the suspects, where they reportedly explained their mission and how it failed.
Both recordings were submitted as evidence without objection from the defense counsel, Moffat Makuvatsine.
At the close of the State's case, Mr. Makuvatsine applied for the discharge of the accused, arguing insufficient evidence to convict. Presiding magistrate Stanford Mambanje is expected to deliver his ruling on December 9.
Source - The Herald
