Komichi trial: Zec spokesperson changes testimony

By Hellen Kadirire

HARARE – Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) deputy director of public relations Tendai Pamire on Monday contradicted himself in court in the ongoing trial of Morgen Komichi. 

Pamire, whose cross-examination was continuing, said his statement to the police indicating that the ballot papers were marked in favour of Morgan Tsvangirai’s MDC was what he had heard in a Zec meeting.

Komichi’s lawyer Alec Muchadehama highlighted that in Pamire’s statement to the police, he clearly indicated that the ballots were cast in favour of candidates from the MDC led by Tsvangirai.

But Pamire tried to change his police statement saying that what he told the police was what was discussed in a Zec meeting and not what he had personally seen.

“I have an idea of that the name on the ballot was Mugove Chiginya however I did not check if the ballots were marked or not and in whose favour,” Pamire said.

He indicated that from where he was sitting during the meeting, it would be difficult to fully see and remember what was written on the ballot paper.

“I was sitting at the far end of the boardroom to see clearly what was written on the ballot papers and like everyone else I cannot remember everything that I come across,” he said. “I do not work with these things on a daily basis, I only see a ballot when I am voting.”

Pamire could not recall what constituency or district the ballot papers were for, prompting Muchadehama to grill him further.

Muchadehama also indicated that Pamire could be suffering from memory loss as he was making insinuations particularly since he did not know where Komichi was exactly when he was handed the envelope.

Earlier Pamire indicated that he had met Komichi in 2008 and had interacted with him frequently and that he saw nothing wrong with Komichi bringing the envelope containing ballot papers. Magistrate Tendai Mahwe adjourned the trial to Tuesday.