Delays in trial of man who stabbed girlfriend 15 times, before stealing her knickers

The lawyer representing Pritchard Zimondi, who is facing allegations of killing his girlfriend Monalisa Chinomona in cold blood, has been accused of “employing delaying tactics” by the State.

Appearing before Justice Felistas Chatukuta, Law Officer Editor Mavuto told the court that Zimondi’s lawyer Norman Mugiya was employing delaying tactics which was hampering the trial.

Defence counsel Mugiya however denied the allegations, saying he would not employ delaying tactics as they would not in any way help his client. Mavuto told the court that continually seeking postponement was also prejudicing the witnesses who have been coming to court to testify in the matter.

“My learned colleague is arguing that he has not yet had sight of the exhibits but he has not done anything formally to show that he wanted access to those exhibits. He (defence counsel) had ample time to inspect the exhibits.

“Justice must be seen to be done, it doesn’t apply to the applicant only but to the witnesses because they want the case to proceed,” Mavuto said.

In response, Mugiya argued that there was no way he would employ delaying tactics which would not serve any purpose to his client in any way, adding that he had requested to have access to the exhibits but that had not happened.

Mugiya further submitted that he was also shocked that the State had indicated that there are more exhibits.

The lawyer also revealed to the court that his client has been sick for the past week and was still sick, pointing out that throughout the whole court session, Zimondi was sleeping in the dock.

“Yesterday (Monday) he had to be carried by 10 strong men my lord,” submitted Mugiya. He also told the court that the State was very reluctant to assist him to have access to the exhibits.

Justice Chatukuta directed that the case could not proceed as it seemed Zimondi was not well, adding that documentation had to be provided by a medical practitioner to show to which extent the applicant is sick.

The court added that only a medical practitioner could reveal if Zimondi was fit to stand trial as he looked incapacitated, adding that it was his right at law to proceed to trial when a doctor has revealed if he is fit.

It was also directed that the defence should also be allowed to have access to the exhibits and prepare for the trial. The trial continues.

After the court adjourned, Monalisa’s relatives argued that Zimondi was pretending to be sick, saying, “when he was going to the magistrates’ court, he was fit, now that trial is about to commence, he is now pretending to be sick.

“They are just trying to delay but justice will be done,” shouted one relative.

Allegations are that Zimondi went to Monalisa’s place of residents, 7622 Unit K, where he sneaked into the house unnoticed. He allegedly found Monalisa asleep and went to the kitchen where he fetched a kitchen knife.

It is the State’s case that he stabbed the 19 year-old woman in her sleep 15 times on her chest. The court heard that Zimondi left the knife stuck in Monalisa’s left breast before fleeing.

In linking Zimondi to the offence, the State alleged that he was found in possession of keys he took from the deceased’s house and was also found with a bra and pant belonging to the deceased and was arrested while attempting to flee to Gweru.

It was also said that he stabbed Monalisa following a heated misunderstanding on the day in question.