Judge throws out Zimondi bail bid

HARARE – A High Court judge last week threw out a bail application by Pritchard Zimondi, who is accused of fatally stabbing his girlfriend in Chi­tungwiza in April 2011.

In his ruling, Justice Joseph Musakwa said the defence had not proffered any exceptional circumstances enough to sway the court to grant Zimondi bail.

“The requirements of the law have not been met therefore I dismiss this application,” he said.

Justice Musakwa said in his view the case fits a premeditated murder.

Zimondi’s lawyer Mr Norman Mugiya had argued that when his client was granted bail before his trial commenced, he did not breach any conditions and that his stay in custody had forced him to defer his studies at the University of Zimbabwe.

He also argued that the State was relying on circumstantial evidence and that his late girlfriend’s brother was not competent to give evidence in court.

However, Mr Editor Mavuto from the Attorney General’s Office opposed the application arguing that the State had a strong case against Zimondi warranting him to flee when granted bail as two more witnesses with incriminating evidence had come up.

Allegations against Zimondi arose sometime in April 2011 when he allegedly had a misunderstanding with his girl­friend Monalisa Chinomona (19). It is alleged that on the fateful day, he went over to Chinomona’s place where she was alone in her bedroom.

Zimondi reportedly entered the house unnoticed, headed for the kitchen and armed himself with a kitchen knife. He allegedly went to where Chinomona was sleeping and stabbed her with the knife 15 times on her left breast.

After the grisly act, Zimondi reportedly left the knife stuck on the woman’s breast and ran away. He was later caught in Harare while trying to flee to Gweru. It is alleged that Zimondi had Chi­nomona’s pants and bra on him.