The trial of Prosecutor-General Johannes Tomana had a false start again yesterday after defence lawyer, Advocate Thabani Mpofu said he intended to move some preliminary issues before it could begin.
BY NQOBILE NKIWANE
Presiding magistrate, Vakai Chikwekwe made a ruling on the trial date after the State and the defence lawyers failed to agree on one.
Mpofu had initially made an application for the postponement of the matter to July 7, saying he had introductory issues to move first.
He told the court that he was not able to move the issues immediately because of ill health.
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“I am not feeling well and I cannot make the move today. Our application is that the matter be rolled over July 7,” Mpofu said. In response, the State, led by Gwinyai Shumba, argued the defence was delaying the matter.
“The State feels that the matter must be completed within reasonable time, July 7 will be unreasonable. I am of the view that the next date be June 7, so that we finish the preliminary issues and allocate a trial date,” he said.
His response did not go down well with Mpofu, who then accused Shumba of lack of seriousness.
“There is a problem when a public official plays to the gallery, I will ask that my learned colleague reconsiders his dates,” Mpofu said.
After some arguments, the court briefly adjourned and later Chikwekwe said as there was no agreement between the parties the matter be heard on July 7.
The matter was postponed to July 7.
Tomana is facing charges of criminal abuse of office or alternatively defeating the course of justice.