Doctors testify in Zimbabwean murder accused’s trial

TWO doctors testified in the murder trial of Lloyd Simbarashe this week about the alleged acid attack on Nikita Lewis as well as an alleged assault on her mother and grandmother.

Simbarashe, a Zimbabwean, stands accused of murdering his then girlfriend, Lewis by stabbing her to death 18 times inside a Pick and Save Superette in Manenberg on October 9, 2015.

The Western Cape High Court heard testimony from Dr Angela Dell, who was responsible for compiling the J88 medical report after Lewis received treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital on August 19, 2015.

According to Dr Dell, Lewis received treatment at the hospital after a “cleaning agent” was thrown in her face, causing damage to her right eye, bruises to the nose, blisters around the mouth and her clothing showed signs of chemical burns.

“Staff reported that the deceased appeared emotionally upset and anxious. She was allegedly assaulted by her partner,” said Dr Dell.

Lewis was seen by an ophthalmologist on the day and had two more visits after the initial treatment at an eye specialist. “The ophthalmologist confirmed in the report that the injuries were as a result of chemicals thrown into the eye,” said Dr Dell.

Defence advocate, Sheriff Mahomed, asked Dr Dell whether she could confirm the injuries were caused on the day that Lewis visited the hospital, to which she replied, no.

“The injuries were recorded as told by the patient,” said Dr Dell.

Meanwhile, Doctor Ronald Dalmagio from the Kensington CHC Hospital testified about injuries Lewis’s mother, Bonita Lewis and grandmother, Rhoda Hilda Isaacs, sustained during an alleged scuffle with Simbarashe.

In her previous testimony, Isaacs said Simbarashe came to her house in Kensington and attacked Lewis.

Proceedings wrapped up early this week as Mahomed was unwell.

The trial is expected to resume on Monday.