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Gumbura’s lawyer quits

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RMG Independent End Time Message church leader Robert Martin Gumbura’s lawyer Rekai Maposa yesterday recused herself from representing the fallen cleric

RMG Independent End Time Message church leader Robert Martin Gumbura’s lawyer Rekai Maposa yesterday recused herself from representing the fallen cleric on a fresh rape charge.

BY CHARLES LAITON SENIOR COURT REPORTER

Maposa indicated that she was now emotionally involved in the matter owing to what was transpiring on the ground hence she had instructed an advocate to proceed with the trial.

Gumbura, who is serving an effective 40-year-jail term for rape, is jointly charged with his secretary Tendai Ganyani on a fresh rape charge.

Speaking to NewsDay after court adjournment, Maposa said the prevailing situation regarding Gumbura’s trial had now turned into a personal attack on her integrity as a lawyer.

“It’s now a personal attack on my integrity as a lawyer. It seems I am being victimised for representing Gumbura in this matter. Why should the State always prevail over the defence in this matter?” Maposa queried.

“I am not a feminist and I do not endeavour to be one; I am a lawyer, happily married and have brothers too. All that is happening is designed to frustrate me not to represent Gumbura and one wonders why this is happening, but I will not be intimidated not to carry out my duties.”

Maposa’s remarks came after regional magistrate Fadzai Mtombeni ordered her to bring proof showing that indeed

Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba, whom Maposa instructed, was not available to attend trial yesterday. Upon Maposa’s return with a letter from the Advocate