An application by former Mines and Mining Development
Minister Walter Chidhakwa to have Harare Magistrate Mr Nyasha Vitorini recuse
himself on his case has failed.
Chidhakwa through his lawyer Advocate Sylvester Hashiti
sought the magistrate’s recusal on the basis that he may not independently
exercise his powers based on media reports insinuating that the Chief Justice
had warned against laundering of criminals.
The magistrate maintained that the head of the judiciary
did not through sentiments attributed to him put undue influence on magistrates
but he merely reminded judicial officers of dispensing justice efficiently.
Mr Vitorini ruled that in his view the application lodged
by Chidhakwa through Advocate Hashiti was frivolous and devoid of merit and
there was no reason for the accused to harbour any apprehension that he would
be unfairly tried.
Mr Vitorini added that he saw no reason to recuse himself
from the matter as the Chief Justice merely reminded judicial officers to
ensure people deserving to be convicted and those deserving acquittal get
justice.
The court postponed the matter to the 4th of January after
Advocate Hashiti indicated he was appealing against its decision. zbc
0 comments:
Post a Comment