Court Reporter
TWO Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe security officers accused of assaulting Dr Munyaradzi Kereke’s driver yesterday gave notice to apply for discharge today. This comes after the State closed its case. Phillip Dendere (47) and George Nyahuye (36) are charged with assaulting Privilege Maturure.
They are appearing before Harare Provincial magistrate Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini.
Prosecutor Mr Liberty Gono yesterday led evidence from the last State witness, a policeman stationed at Marlborough Police Station, Elias Mavhene.
The policeman said the pair had pleaded with him to treat them nicely since they were ex-policemen.
Asked by Mr Gono if he heard Dr Kereke saying he was going to prepare a good medical affidavit against them, he said, “no”.
Under cross-examination by Advocate Linos Mazonde the witness denied claims that he ordered the pair to sit on the floor at the police station.
The State closed its case after the policeman finished giving evidence.
Meanwhile the Parirenyatwa hospital male nurse who forged the medical report used in the case was sentenced to perform 175 hours of community service.
Jacob Chiweshe (35) was convicted on his own plea of guilty to forgery.
He told the court that he had been promised money by Dr Munyaradzi Kereke’s driver. Harare magistrate Ms Faith Mushure sentenced him to seven months in prison of which two were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
Another five months were suspended on condition he performs 175 hours of community service. His lawyer Mr Tapiwa Makanza, said Maturure who was also arrested over the same issue approached his client and advised him that he was assaulted and needed an affidavit so he could be compensated.
He also said Maturure came with a stamped affidavit. Mr Makanza urged the court to be lenient with his client after submitting that he was a youthful first offender who tendered a plea of guilty thereby saving the court’s time.
He said he co-operated with police during investigations and led to the arrest of Maturure and another suspect who allegedly influenced him to forge the document.
Prosecutor Ms Joyce Sithole, however, said Chiweshe had committed a serious offence and a fine would trivialise the offence.