Cephas Shava
MWENEZI – A 59-year-old man, who went on the run for 18 years after allegedly murdering his aunt before being arrested in July this year, will breathe a sigh of relief after the High Court ordered his release from remand prison because State witnesses are nowhere to be found.
Mwenezi magistrate Honest Musiiwa granted that Ellimon Masocha, of Nyika village under Chief Maranda, be released following an order from the High Court.
Prosecutor Willard Chasi told the court that the High Court had ordered the release of Masocha from remand prison as State witnesses in the matter are yet to be located.
He said once the witnesses are found, the State will proceed with its case by way of summons. Some of the witnesses in Masocha’s case are said to be in South Africa while others are said to be already dead.
The State case is that on February 4, 1999, Masocha approached his aunt who was working in her fields. He began to accuse her of being a witch who was causing poverty to his family.
Masocha allegedly stuck his aunt on the neck using a hoe handle resulting in her instant death.
After committing the offence, Masocha was reportedly spotted by eye witnesses running away from the scene and he immediately fled to South Africa only to be arrested last July upon his return.local
