The trial of five alleged hitmen accused of plotting to murder prominent businessman Oliver Tendai Chipindu is set to continue this Friday, with the State expected to present evidence from its second witness. Last week, Harare magistrate Stanford Mambanje dismissed a defense motion seeking his recusal from the case. The defense argued that the magistrate’s prior interactions with the case could compromise fairness, but Mambanje ruled that the request lacked substantial grounds. Consequently, the trial is set to proceed without a change of venue.
The accused are Moses Monde from Johannesburg, Malvin Manzinde, Malvin Tatenda Nyamuranga, Norbert Muponda, and Joshua Mapuranga from Cape Town. They face charges related to an alleged murder plot against Chipindu, following a failed business deal involving fuel gas tanks. The deal reportedly defrauded Chipindu of US$800,000.
The defense had pushed for the trial to be moved, claiming that the magistrate’s prior dealings with the case posed a conflict of interest. However, prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu countered that the motion was baseless and that such decisions fell within the court’s discretion.
According to the State’s case, the alleged mastermind behind the plot, Obrian Obert Mapurisa, remains at large. Mapurisa had reportedly arranged for Chipindu to purchase liquefied petroleum gas tankers from Turkey. After misappropriating the US$800,000 provided by Chipindu, Mapurisa’s attempts to evade the businessman led Chipindu to demand a refund.
In retaliation, Mapurisa is accused of orchestrating a plan to eliminate Chipindu. He allegedly hired the five suspects to execute the murder. The suspects were given Chipindu’s address and photograph and were lured to Zimbabwe. On March 19, they met Chipindu at a Harare lodge. During this meeting, Chipindu recorded their conversation in which they discussed kidnapping and harming him. Chipindu alerted the authorities, leading to the arrest of the suspects. As the trial advances, attention will turn to the testimony of the State’s second witness, who is expected to shed more light on the plot and the evidence against the accused.
In other news – Musaka family unveils Soul Jah Love’s memorial stone
The Musaka family has faced significant public scrutiny over the past three years for the state of Soul Jah Love’s final resting place. The late star’s grave, initially marked only by rocks, wilted flowers, and a small sign with his name, date of birth, and date of death, had become a point of contention among fans and critics alike.
Last year, Soul Jah Love’s rival Seh Calaz publicly criticized the Musaka family, accusing them of neglecting the late musician’s grave despite being involved in high-profile events and financial dealings. Read More
