The ManicaPost
Abel Zhakata Senior Reporter
THE trial of two women who were allegedly found in possession of a six-metre-long python at a Mutare lodge kicked off at the courts on Tuesday, before proceedings were abruptly halted after a key State witness fell sick during cross-examination.
Green Gate Lodge owner, Loice Samhere, and a self-confessed commercial sex worker, Queen Mpofu, are being charged with contravening the Parks and Wildlife Act for allegedly possessing a specified animal. The duo is being represented by Mr Cosmas Chibaya of Chibaya and Associates.
District public prosecutor Mr Tirivanhu Mutyasira called on the key State witness, Simbarashe Mupuradzuva (40), who gave an account of how he visited Green Gate Lodge and eventually found the reptile in Mpofu’s room. He said after discovering the snake, he rushed to make a report at Mutare Central Police Station and came back with three cops.
However, Mupuradzuva said the police officers were terrified of the snake and failed to retrieve it. The cops went back to the station for reinforcements, but when they got back, the snake was nowhere to be found.
Senior magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe had to adjourn the trial to March 24 for continuation after Mupuradzuva told the court that he was now feeling dizzy. He asked for some water to drink, but his condition did not improve, even after being given some time to refresh during the lunch break.
However, Samhere and Mpofu are denying the charges. In her defence outline, Samhere argued that although she runs Green Gate Lodge, she is not directly involved in the day-to-day activities at the establishment.
Samhere said once clients are booked at the lodge, the goods they bring into the rooms are not her concern. She denied responsibility for the bag that was used to carry the python in question.
Mpofu also sang from the same hymn book.
She told the court that she was a commercial sex worker who was booked at the lodge when the incident occurred. On the night in question on January 3, Mpofu said she was with a client who had engaged her for the whole night. She said while her client was asleep, Mupuradzuva arrived.
He also wanted sexual favours from her.
Mpofu went out of her room and met Mupuradzuva in the passage.
According to Mpofu, Mupuradzuva insisted they get intimate. The two then sneaked into another vacant room. Mpofu said in this room, they found a bag on which Mupuradzuva placed his satchel and cap.
