The trial of a Harare man who allegedly kidnapped a work colleague in a bid to cover up a fraud case has been postponed to July 30 after his lawyer failed to turn up at the magistrates court.
Simbarashe Emmanuel Martin Rondozai’s defence lawyer Oliver Marwa failed to appear on the second day of court proceedings this week.
Rondozai (38), is accused of kidnapping and bashing David Matanda (35), allegedly to prevent him from lifting the lid on a fraud case at Real Star Security where the two were previously employed.
The defendant is facing one count of kidnapping under Section 93 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The presiding magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai deferred the matter after Marwa's no show.
Under cross examination on the first day, Matanda testified that he delayed reporting the incident because he feared for his life.
The alleged abduction occurred in May 2025 after which Matanda fled to South Africa.
He said he returned to Zimbabwe on December 16, 2025, and finally filed a police report on February 19, 2026.
Asked why he delayed reporting the matter, Matanda said he was afraid that his abductors would harm him again.
He said he disclosed the abduction to senior managers at Real Star Security on February 12, 2026, who advised him to go to the police.
Questioned about discrepancies between his oral testimony and his police statement, Matanda said police left out some information.
Matanda insisted he easily identified Rondozai before being blindfolded because they were longtime co-workers.
The state alleges that in May 2025, Rondozai and four accomplices (who are still at large) allegedly abducted Matanda from his home in Zengeza 5, Chitungwiza.
Two of Rondozai's accomplices posed as police officers, handcuffed and blindfolded Matanda, and drove him away in a silver Honda Fit.
According to prosecutors, Matanda was unlawfully detained for eight hours during which Rondozai ordered him not to implicate him in any financial misappropriation or fraud at Real Star Security.
The suspects threatened Matanda with unspecified action before dumping him near a bridge along the New Chitungwiza Road.