Kennedy Murwira
The duo of Mercy Mashava, wife to Gutu Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer, Alexander Mutembwa and Karen Shenjere, wife to the council engineer, who are facing charges of assault, theft and kidnapping were last Friday remanded in custody to the 5th of February while they await their trial which may be held in the High Court.
The duo initially appeared in court two weeks ago facing charges of forcibly abducting Vaida Chiripanyanga from Gutu Garage and assaulting her on allegations that she was having an affair with Karen’s husband. They were remanded out of custody on free bail to the 15th of January when their defense counsel, Claudius Tafirei and Chikwari of Tafirei and Chikwari Legal Practitioners applied for postponement with the intention to change the 'guilty' plea which the duo had entered at their first appearance.
The two women lured Chiripanyanga from the garage through WhatsApp messages that were sent through Shenjere’s mobile number and took her to an undisclosed location where they undressed her and severely assaulted her. They had blindfolded her as soon as they met her at the garage and while Karen drove the motor vehicle Mercy assaulted the complainant. After the assault the duo allegedly poured petrol over the complainant with the intention of setting her alight.They later dumped her at the garage where they had picked her before she sought medical treatment and made a report to the police. TellZim News understands from reliable sources that it was only after Mercy’s intervention that the attempted murder did not take place.
The defense counsel continued to apply for postponement based on change of plea while he could not furnish the court with the relevant application details.
The duo’s remand on free bail had been a matter of concern for the general public who felt that considering the seriousness of the offence the duo should have been remanded in custody.
Chiripanyanga was represented by Tungamirai Chakurira while Gutu resident magistrate, Edwin Marecha presided over the matter. Prosecutor Millicent Azangwe appeared for the State.
