'Fake marriage officer' appears in court

No handwriting experts could be found to give evidence in today's trial of former Harare Magistrate Court grounds man, Edmond Mboko who is accused of solemnising marriages and forging magistrates' signatures.

The handwriting experts were expected to provide their submissions on whether Mboko signed the said documents at the centre of the case.

Mboko, who is accused of solemnising Karen Kakore and Egomole Callistus Okechukwu's marriage and allegedly signing the marriage certificate, appeared in court for trial.

The handwriting experts however did not appear and state prosecutor, Gayton Vhiriri said the experts will be ready by the 25th of June.
The defence however argued that the state wants to protect its colleagues.

During cross examination by his defence lawyer, Mboko said magistrate Viola Mariga was lying under oath about the signature on the marriage certificate.

Mboko added that he would take marriage certificates from magistrates and then give them to the couples.

Magistrate Witness Mtetwa remanded the matter to the 25th of this month.