Precila Takabvirakare
MPANDAWANA – The Gutu Magistrates’ Court this week acquitted businessman Liberty Chifamba on charges of kidnapping, improper use of fire arms, theft and unauthorised use of property belonging to Lovemore Denhere.
The court found that the State failed to prove a prima facie case on all the allegations that were made against Chifamba.
Chifamba was acquitted on basis that the gun pointing allegations that he faced were unbelievable as no other witness, besides Denhere, was called to corroborate his version of the story.
The court also found that Denhere’s testimony was also full of inconsistencies to warrant a conviction of Chifamba.
Denhere alleged that he was kidnapped but the court found that his allegations were unreasonable as no evidence was presented to show that he made extra efforts to escape.
He also failed to disclose the matter to Amos Mapfumo whom they met in Zvishavane so that he could escape the kidnap.
The court also found that Chifamba took the money in Denhere’s house and the car after his wife Glenda Pambayi had admitted and made a cautioned statement that she stole US$5 000 from his shop as part of paying back the stolen money.
The State, led by Millicent Azangwe, had alleged that on March 7 this year, Chifamba had a misunderstanding with Pambayi, whom she accused of syphoning money from his shop where she used to work.
Panganayi allegedly used the money to buy a car from Amos Mapfumo who stays in Zvishavane.
In a fit of rage, Chifamba went to Denhere’s house and took $974 from the wardrobe before demanding the keys to the car claiming it to be his.
The following day, Chifamba forcibly ordered Denhere to get into his car and drove to Masvingo.
On their way Chifamba produced a gun and threatened to kill Denhere if he does not return the money which he said had been from his business by Denhere’s wife.
From Masvingo they proceeded to Zvishavane where they met Mapfumo, a car dealer, and processed the sale of Denhere’s car.
They later returned to Denhere’s house and Chifamba ordered Pambayi to write an affidavit indicating that she had stolen money from his shop.
After the incident, Denhere reported the matter to the police leading to Chifamba’s arrest.crime
In a fit of rage, Chifamba went to Denhere’s house and took $974 from the wardrobe before demanding the keys to the car claiming it to be his.
The following day, Chifamba forcibly ordered Denhere to get into his car and drove to Masvingo.
On their way Chifamba produced a gun and threatened to kill Denhere if he does not return the money which he said had been from his business by Denhere’s wife.
From Masvingo they proceeded to Zvishavane where they met Mapfumo, a car dealer, and processed the sale of Denhere’s car.
They later returned to Denhere’s house and Chifamba ordered Pambayi to write an affidavit indicating that she had stolen money from his shop.
After the incident, Denhere reported the matter to the police leading to Chifamba’s arrest.crime
