The State’s fourth witness in the ongoing trial of suspended Zanu PF Harare provincial youth chair Godwin Gomwe, Richard Samunda, yesterday conceded under cross-examination that he was a close friend of one of the complainants in the matter, adding that they met regularly.
by PAIDAMOYO MUZULU
Samunda told trial magistrate Takundwa Mtetwa that he was a friend to one Abraham Samushonga, one of the complainants in Gomwe’s trial for breaching the Posts and Telecommunications Act by uttering offensive and abusive words over the phone.
“I last met with the complainant (Samushonga) yesterday (Monday) at the Zimcada offices (Milton Park),” Samunda told the court during cross-examination by Gomwe’s lawyer John Ndomene.
Ndomene then indicated to Samunda that since he was so close to Samushonga, there was every reason for him to corroborate his testimony.
Samunda, however, had earlier told the court that he overheard the conversation because Samushonga was using a tablet phone on high volume.
“I heard a voice on the phone saying ‘I saw the letter that you wrote with your youths, but it has no relevance’, to which Samushonga responded saying ‘It did not matter’,” Samunda said.
“The voice over the phone then said ‘you are Gamatox and the Gamatox I was referring to is you, Agnes Matambanadzo and Nyasulu.”
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Samunda further told the court that Samushonga became worried and immediately called senior party leaders including suspended Zanu PF Harare acting provincial chairman Godwills Masimirembwa seeking protection.
He said after attempts to report the matter to the party leadership failed, they drove to Harare Central Police Station to file a criminal report against Gomwe.
The matter was postponed to Friday next week when the State’s fifth witness is expected to testify.
Patience Chimusaru appeared for the State.
