THE two suspected witches who caused a stir in Budiriro high-density suburb early last month, after being caught semi-naked in a suspected act of witchcraft, were yesterday released on $200 bail each by Mbare resident magistrate Reuben Mukavi.
CHARLES LAITON
STAFF REPORTER
This was after the pair’s lawyer Tawanda Takaindisa told the court that his client’s identities and their places of residence had been verified by the State.
Maria Moyo’s real name was given to the court as Christine Nyamupandu and her co-accused Chipo Chijaka as Elinet Ben.
“This is an application for bail based on changed circumstances. I can confirm the State verified the names and the residential addresses of the two accused persons and on that basis it is no longer opposed to bail,” Takaindisa said.
His submissions were also supported by prosecutor Fanuel Madanire who told the court the State was no longer opposed to bail.
“I confirm verifications of their addresses and their identities were made and the names they gave to this court are true. The two accused persons come from Landas business centre in Chihota communal areas and as such, the State is no longer opposed to bail,” Madanire said.
Nyamupandu and Ben had been in detention at Chikurubi female prison since their arrest, after their initial bail application was turned down. The court had wanted their mental status to be verified.
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Last week, medical confirmation was produced in court by prison officials to the effect that the women were examined by prison doctors and were declared fit to stand trial.
Madanire, however, yesterday sought the trial’s postponement saying the State needed time to prepare court papers that would include another accused person in the matter, the self-proclaimed prophet, Alfred Mupfumbati.
All the accused were remanded to Tuesday next week for trial.
