PROVINCIAL magistrate Tendai Mahwe yesterday prevented the media from covering the case of a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) agent Richard Mubaiwa, who is accused of extorting $10 000 from Zifa chief executive officer Jonathan Mashingaidze, on the basis of protecting the nature of the operative’s job.
Report by Charles Laiton, Senior Court Reporter
Mubaiwa is accused of having abused his position as a State security agent when he allegedly extorted money from Mashingaidze in the company of his co-accused John Chari, a Banket farmer.
Mahwe ordered the court cleared, asking journalists intending to cover the trial to also leave the courtroom as Mubaiwa took to the witness stand to defend himself.
“May all the people go outside the courtroom because of the nature of the accused’s job. You will be allowed back after his evidence,” Mahwe said.
Mahwe’s order came after Mubaiwa’s lawyer Fadzai Mageza made an application arguing her client could not testify in an open court because of the nature of his job?
Mubaiwa’s trial followed the dismissal of his application for discharge at the close of the State case after the court ruled there was need for him to explain why Chari confessed his involvement in the matter.
Mahwe also said there was a lot of communication between Mubaiwa and Chari on the day Mashingaidze was allegedly called and ordered to pay the money.
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He further said there was need for Mubaiwa to explain why his vehicle was used by Chari during the relevant times.
The State case was that the trap that was set leading to Chari’s arrest was orchestrated and executed by secret agents from the President’s Office. Chari is represented by Tapiwa Makanza.
