Harare, Zimbabwe | Lawyers representing the accused in a case involving charges of supplying false information to a public official have accused Elizabeth Parirenyatwa of making a mockery of the judicial process, claiming she is turning the court into a circus.
This follows a State application for postponement on the grounds that Parirenyatwa was reportedly unwell and unfit to stand trial. The State submitted a medical note allegedly authored by a doctor identified only as Mangwiro, stating that Parirenyatwa was not fit for duty.
Upon reviewing the letter, the magistrate raised concerns over its lack of detail, questioning why it did not specify Parirenyatwa’s exact medical condition. The magistrate further noted that the letter failed to indicate when she would be fit to attend trial, potentially delaying proceedings indefinitely. Additionally, the magistrate questioned what “duty” the doctor was referring to in the note.
“The letter says she is unfit for duty. Does that mean she is mentally unfit to testify? I don’t understand what duty is being referred to,” the magistrate remarked.
The defence strongly opposed the State’s application, accusing Parirenyatwa of abusing the justice system.
“This witness is making a mockery of these proceedings and turning this court into a circus,” said the defence.
They argued that no explanation had been provided regarding her medical condition or how it hindered her ability to testify.
“Just this morning, before court convened, the witness was seen walking around the corridors,” the defence added. “She was speaking with people and was even in the prosecutor-in-charge’s office.”
The lawyers questioned the credibility of her claim, describing it as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the trial.
“It is bizarre that the same person is now claiming to be unfit for court. It’s clear to us that the witness is deliberately derailing these proceedings,” they stated.
They further argued that all that is required of her is to testify — something she appears unwilling to do.
“If she refuses to proceed, that is her decision, but it must not prejudice the accused. If she insists on not testifying, her evidence should be expunged, and the State must close its case,” the defence submitted.
They also noted that one of the accused, Mr. Murphy, suffers from a serious medical condition requiring him to use an oxygen machine regularly, yet he has consistently attended court.
“You cannot have someone initiate a criminal case and then refuse to give testimony,” they said.
The matter was adjourned to tomorrow, when the doctor who authored the letter is expected to testify.
Last week, Parirenyatwa halted cross-examination mid-session, claiming that her blood sugar levels had dropped while giving evidence.
Investigations into the case have revealed that, based on available genealogical records, there is no documented familial relationship between Cecil John Rhodes and Brian James Rhodes, as alleged by Parirenyatwa.
