Terrence Mawawa| Masvingo Key witnesses are afraid to testify against notorious ZRP officer ,Constable Mercy Dafunwa, who is being charged for pulling prominent human rights activist Prosper Tirirngindi’s genitals, it has emerged.
The case in which Tirindindi filed a complaint against the embattled cop,whose naked pictures in another incident went viral social media, last month,was heard at the Masvingo Magistrate Courts this afternoon and the matter was postponed to July 7.
Key witnesses in the case who are mainly touts based at Pick n Pay terminus, have been threatened by state security agents. It is understood the matter has taken a political twist with members of the Police Internal Security Intelligence(PISI) and CIO agents closely monitoring the case.Police officers who own pirate taxis have also teamed up to discredit Tirindingi,it has emerged.
Sources at the terminus told ZimEye.com some key witnesses in the case were threatened while some were paid $30 each to conceal evidence in the matter. Speaking after today’s court session Tiringindi said attempts by state security agents to threaten key witnesses in the matter would not deter his fight for justice.
“We are not intimidated and we will fight for justice.We are well aware of the fact that key state witnesses have been threatened and we will raise the issue with the relevant authorities.We are therefore prepared to fight to the bitter end,”said Tiringindi.