A CHITUNGWIZA man, Pritchard Zimondi, who two years ago stabbed and killed his girlfriend, Monalisa Chinomona, after the latter had refused to bed him, was yesterday convicted at the High Court of murder with constructive intent and will be sentenced today.
CHARLES LAITON SENIOR COURT REPORTER
High Court judge Justice Hlekani Mwayera said Zimondi’s defence was marred with inconsistencies and cunning witnesses bent on misleading the court.
Justice Mwayera also castigated Zimondi’s mother, Grace, for misrepresenting facts in court all in a bid to save her son.
“His demeanour (Pritchard) was not candid in court . . . his mother, Grace Zimondi, did not assist the situation either and in a bid to assist her son, she overstretched her testimony much to the detriment of her son,” Justice Mwayera said.
“Grace’s version (of the narration of events on the fateful day) is understandable given that she is a mother. She wanted to vouch for her son. She, however, did not impress the court as a truthful witness because she wanted the court to believe that her son and the late Monalisa would sleep over at each other’s house in co-habiting style, which cannot be believed.”
The court further said Pritchard’s aunt, Julia Chineka, was the only “highly excitable witness” who despite all odds, was the one who told the court that the pair of panties and a lady’s bra that were recovered in Pritchard’s possession were new items.
Justice Mwayera said all other witnesses including Pritchard himself told the court that the items were second-hand clothes.
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The judge said although the case was premised on circumstantial evidence, it was clear that Pritchard was at the scene of the crime and responsible for the murder of his girlfriend.
Addressing the court in aggravation, prosecutor Editor Mavuto urged the court to consider a lengthy custodial sentence, arguing the murder was committed in a most callous, cruel and brutal manner.
Mavuto said Chinomona died a painful death, taking into account the number of stab wounds that perforated the lungs and the heart.
The late Chinomona was on April 24 last year stabbed 15 times all over her body by Pritchard, who later 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, in Chitungwiza. Zimondi is represented by Norman Mugiya.
