Zimpapers Logo

Prosper Dembedza

Herald Correspondent

The assault trial of lawyer Tendai Biti today hit a brickwall following indications that his lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama was not available.

This prompted Harare magistrate Mrs Vongai Guwuriro to postpone the matter to October 16.

Mrs Guwuriro went on to rule that the matter shall be heard on Monday and Wednesday next week.

Biti is facing charges of assaulting businesswoman and investor Mrs Tatiana Aleshina at the Magistrates Court.

On the previous sitting Biti complained about the presence of Prosecutor Messrs Tafara Chirambira who was standing in for deputy Prosecuter General Mr Michael Reza.

Through his lawyer Mr Muchadehama Biti said it was not correct for Mr Chirambira to stand in for Mr Reza since he was not part of this case.

Mr Muchadehama stated that Mr Chirambira has not been part of the trial and therefore cannot relate with issues that were raised.

He went on saying it would be a forced continuation of trial especially when Mr Reza is away.

In response Mr Chirambira said a trial can be taken over by another prosecutor.

He said his presence in the matter is not something new since he had been assisting Mr Reza with it from the beginning.

“The accused suffer no prejudice if I am not aware of some of the issues that came up. All I am saying is let’s proceed with the matter since I am ready,” he said.

Mr Chirambira further submitted that the interests of justice are that criminal trials be dealt with to a finality and not be dragged to take a lifetime.

Mrs Guwuriro dismissed the objection saying it has no legal facts before Biti to his defence.

Biti then insisted that he did not plead to the charge saying it is defective.