Convict gulps poison, pelts magistrate in court

A Chitungwiza thief yesterday caused a stir in court when he gulped poison before pelting the magistrate with the empty bottle soon after the court pronounced him guilty of stealing a mobile phone.

Cuthbert Shoko (51), who was attending court from home, shocked the gallery and court officials when he suddenly took out the bottle from his pocket. He opened it and gulped the contents and struck magistrate Francis Mapfumo in the face as court orderlies wrestled with him.

Shoko was rushed to Chitungwiza Central Hospital, where he is battling for his life.

However, the type of poison he took was still to be ascertained.  

Mapfumo did not sustain serious injuries and the attack prompted the magistrate to abruptly adjourn the proceedings. The incident raised concern over the laxity in security at the courts. Chief magistrate Mishrod Guvamombe said all people entering the court building should be searched.