By Prosper Dembedza
A Harare hooker, Melody Hamandawana, who is accused of robbing Gokwe magistrate Shepherd Munjanja reportedly stripped naked in front of policemen who intended to arrest her, the court heard yesterday.
This was revealed by the State’s second witness, Assistant Inspector Ishmael Mucheche, who is the arresting officer in the case.
“I had to call my officer-in-charge to bring re-enforcement because she started stripping naked soon after being handcuffed on one hand,” he said.
In her closing submissions, Ms Venencia Mutake said Hamandawana contradicted herself during cross examination.
“The accused contradicted herself in cross examination when she said she knew Munjanja way back and later on changed goalposts saying she started knowing him on the day of the incident,” she said.
Ms Mutake argued that there was a case against Hamandawana and that she should be put to her defence. Magistrate Mr Vakayi Chikwewe deferred the matter to today for continuation of trial.
Allegations are that on October 26 this year, Gokwe magistrate Shepherd Munjanja was approached by a man who claimed to have a tyre and rim for sale. It is alleged the man lured Munjanja to Treckerel Court.
The flat is used as a brothel, but the man lied to Munjanja that there were offices. The man allegedly shoved Munjanja into a room where Hamandawana and two other women were waiting. Hamandawana and her accomplices reportedly assaulted Munjanja, accusing him of raping one of them the last time he had visited the brothel.
They went on to steal $156, bank cards, fuel coupons worth $179, a driver’s licence, car keys and a notepad, it is alleged. The Herald
