HARARE – The ongoing trial of Marry Mubaiwa, a former model facing multiple charges, has taken a new turn as she hired Harrison Nkomo as her new lawyer.
This development comes after Beatrice Mtetwa, who was representing Mubaiwa, withdrew from the case. Mtetwa cited alleged bias by the trial court as her reason for leaving the case.
Mubaiwa is currently on trial for several charges, including an alleged attempt to murder her former husband, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, while he was hospitalized in South Africa in 2019.
The withdrawal of Mtetwa was prompted by a request to postpone the trial due to Mubaiwa’s poor health.
Mtetwa had informed the court that her client had recently undergone surgery and was not well enough to stand trial.
However, the presiding magistrate, Feresi Chakanyuka, rejected this request, demanding evidence to support the claim.
In response, Mtetwa decided to withdraw from the case, leaving Mubaiwa to face the court without legal representation.
Marry Mubaiwa left in cold
Mubaiwa was shocked by this turn of events and indicated that she would comply with the court’s directives.
She later returned to court and informed the magistrate that she had hired Harrison Nkomo as her new attorney. However, Nkomo was not present in court at the time.
Mubaiwa explained that her new lawyer needed time to familiarize himself with the details of the lengthy trial.
She also presented a medical affidavit as proof that she had undergone another operation on her leg.
In response to these developments, the magistrate granted Nkomo a week to prepare for the trial.
The court had seen the medical evidence, but the doctor’s report did not specify whether Mubaiwa was well enough to follow the trial proceedings.
The trial had been ongoing since February and had not yet concluded.
Mubaiwa’s request for a postponement until November 16 was declined, with the magistrate emphasizing the need to conclude the trial.
The court is currently hearing from John Mangwiro, a former deputy health minister and Chiwenga’s doctor, who has been on the stand since September.
Chiwenga, a key witness, is also expected to testify before the state concludes its case. The trial will now resume on November 7.
These recent developments mark a significant shift in the ongoing trial of Marry Mubaiwa, and her new attorney, Harrison Nkomo, will play a crucial role in her defense as the case continues.
