News / National
Stray cat halts Bulawayo High Court murder trial in 'hostile takeover'
2 hrs ago |
79 Views
BULAWAYO - Proceedings at a Bulawayo High Court special sitting were briefly halted on 3 June 2026 after a brown stray cat wandered into the courtroom and disrupted a murder trial.
According to an NPAZ bulletin dated 5 June 2026, the cat entered the courtroom and released what was described as a "mournful, ear‑piercing wail", forcing the presiding judge to order an adjournment while police attempted to remove the animal.
What followed turned the courtroom into what the bulletin described as a "comical scene". Four police officers, four prison guards and a caretaker tried to remove the cat, but it ran from behind the accused's dock to the judge's table before hiding under the judge's bench, where it reportedly responded "in a hostile manner" to further attempts to dislodge it.
The commotion drew members of the public to the courtroom door, increasing the cat's distress. After several failed attempts, officials abandoned the courtroom and the matter was moved to another courtroom so the trial could continue.
The case involved Bright Tshuma (19) of Nkulumane, who was facing a murder charge after stabbing the deceased with what was described as a "Colombia CCCP AK47 knife".
Following a full trial, Tshuma was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
According to an NPAZ bulletin dated 5 June 2026, the cat entered the courtroom and released what was described as a "mournful, ear‑piercing wail", forcing the presiding judge to order an adjournment while police attempted to remove the animal.
What followed turned the courtroom into what the bulletin described as a "comical scene". Four police officers, four prison guards and a caretaker tried to remove the cat, but it ran from behind the accused's dock to the judge's table before hiding under the judge's bench, where it reportedly responded "in a hostile manner" to further attempts to dislodge it.
The commotion drew members of the public to the courtroom door, increasing the cat's distress. After several failed attempts, officials abandoned the courtroom and the matter was moved to another courtroom so the trial could continue.
The case involved Bright Tshuma (19) of Nkulumane, who was facing a murder charge after stabbing the deceased with what was described as a "Colombia CCCP AK47 knife".
Following a full trial, Tshuma was found guilty and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
Source - Byo24News
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
