Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A 32-year-old Sino-Zimbabwe driver last week appeared in court accused of masquerading as Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son at Sulumani Chimbetu’s birthday bash on Wednesday.
Benwell Garufu appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Victoria Mashamba before whom he pleaded not guilty to the charge of impersonating a public official.
He was remanded to June 10 for trail on $200 bail.
As part of his bail conditions, Garufu was ordered to report twice a week at Waterfalls Police Station and not to interfere with State witnesses.
The complainant in the matter is Andrew Manongore (29), a relative of the Vice President’s family.
Prosecutor Mrs Moline Murozvi-Sibanda had opposed bail, saying Garufu’s accomplice was still at large.
“There is a possibility that if freed on bail, the accused will commit further offences,” she said.
Garufu’s lawyer, Mr Tawanda Takaindisa, told the court that his client was a proper candidate for bail.
“There is no indication that on arrest he tried to run away,” said Mr Takaindisa.
“State has a weak case against the accused.
“It is alleged that he introduced himself as a member of the CIO and Mnangagwa Junior, but there is no indication that an identification card was produced,” he said.
“Never at any time did the accused impersonate the VP’s son. The accused loves his Vice President and supports Zanu-PF.”
Mr Takaindisa accused the arresting officers of getting “too excited”.
“The charges were created out of mere excitement.
“There is no basis that this court, acting carefully, would deny the accused bail.
“Bail is treated individually. If State so fears, stringent conditions can be imposed.”
Mrs Sibanda alleged that on Wednesday around 11pm at a local hotel, Garufu was amongst the invited guests.
Around 11.39pm the guests started pledging presents and introducing themselves.
It is alleged that Garufu and his accomplice went to the stage.
He allegedly introduced himself as a member of the Central Intelligence Organisation as well as Emmerson Mnangagwa Junior.
Manongore was shocked to hear Garufu introduce himself as the Vice President’s son because he had never seen him before.
Manongore reported the matter to the police, leading to Garufu’s arrest.
His accomplice fled the scene.