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Zimondi murder trial opens

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THE trial of a Chitungwiza man, Pritchard Zimondi, who allegedly murdered his girlfriend, Monalisa Chinomona, after their relationship turned sour, finally commenced at the High Court yesterday.

THE trial of a Chitungwiza man, Pritchard Zimondi, who allegedly murdered his girlfriend, Monalisa Chinomona, after their relationship turned sour, finally commenced at the High Court yesterday.

Report by Charles Laiton

In March this year, the trial was postponed on more than two occasions prompting Chinomona’s relatives to threaten staging a demonstration at the court to force the State to ensure the start of the murder case.

The late Chinomona was allegedly stabbed 15 times all over the body by her boyfriend, Zimondi, who then left her lifeless body in a pool of blood with a knife stuck in her chest as he disappeared from the scene. The incident occurred at the late Chinomona’s family home in Unit K, Seke, Chitungwiza.

In his defence, Zimondi told High Court judge Justice Hlekani Mwayera that he was a victim of circumstances and accused his alleged rival, whom he identified only as one Vitalis, as Chinomona’s assailant.

Zimondi said on several occasions prior to Chinomona’s death, he had clashed with Vitalis and at one point Vitalis threatened to deal with him or make sure he would not marry Chinomona. Prosecutor Editor Mavuto then led evidence from Zimondi’s friend, Simbarashe Piano.

Piano said on April 24 last year, he received a call from Chinomona’s best friend who happens to be his girlfriend, Primrose Mutize, informing him about Chinomona’s murder. Later the same day, Piano said he received another call from Zimondi and the two met at Allan Wilson School in Harare where the latter confided in him that he was not prepared to face the police for what he had done.

Piano further said Zimondi requested for money from him, saying he wanted to go away from Harare, but he told him he had none but would source it for him from his girlfriend in town and the pair went together. Upon getting to Number 101 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Harare, Piano said, Zimondi entered the building and Piano seized the opportunity to inform the police, leading to his arrest.

Zimondi was allegedly found in possession of Chinomona’s panties, bra and a bunch of keys belonging to the Chinomona family house. Zimondi was represented by Norman Mugiya.