The state, after initially promising to proceed with the
hearing on Wednesday, requested a postponement, citing the unavailability of a
second key witness, Detective Panganai Gwati.
According to the state, Gwati, who was supposed to lead
evidence in the case, was called to testify at Mbare Magistrate Court in a
separate case involving Tineyi Munetsi.
The defence counsel, led by Jeremiah Bhamu, opposed the
postponement. “We have not been advised about the status of the matter in
Mbare,” Bhamu argued, “nor have we been informed whether Panganai Gwati has
started his testimony or not. No proper grounds have been made to justify the
postponement.”
Bhamu further emphasized that Gwati’s evidence wouldn’t
address the issues raised by the state in opposing the bail applications.
“I must place it on record that the delays in this matter
have nothing to do with the accused, but the state, which has been making
application after application,” he added.
Anesu Chirenje, representing the state, defended the
postponement, arguing that Gwati’s testimony would corroborate the evidence
provided by the first witness. “He was the arresting detail, so he will assist
the court to explain the alleged torture of the accused upon arrest, as they
were in custody, and address all other grey areas,” Chirenje stated.
Despite the defense’s opposition, Magistrate Ruth Moyo
ruled in favour of the state, postponing the bail hearing until Thursday.
Vusimuzi Moyo, previously part of the group, had his case
separated and secured a new lawyer, TB Ndoro. His bail hearing was also heard
today. CITE
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