LUMINISTA THEFT CASE TRIAL UNDERWAY

THE unlawful entry trial involving businesswoman, Luminista Jemwa, finally got underway in Harare yesterday.

Lumi, who is the complainant, testified as the first State witness in the case involving over US$150 000.

She is accusing her former landlord’s son, Kundai Muradzikwa, of allegedly stealing money and jewellery worth US$152 000.

According to the State’s case, Muradzikwa allegedly took door keys from Lumi’s domestic worker and entered the home and stole cash and goods.

Muradzikwa allegedly ordered the domestic worker to vacate the place.

He also accused Lumi of delays in the payment of rentals and related bills.

It is alleged that after entering Lumi’s place, along Quinnington Road in Borrowdale Brooke, Muradzikwa stole US$32 000, two watches and jewellery all valued at US$152 000.

Muradzikwa then called Lumi telling her that the domestic worker had stolen from the house and left.

Lumi, who is based in South Africa, then lodged a report leading to Muradzikwa’s arrest.

Muradzikwa pleaded not guilty to the offence.

He has questioned if Lumi was the lawful occupier of the premises in question and will contest the suggestion the premises can properly be called her “house”.

He told the court he will further deny any suggestion that he intentionally, and without permission or authority from the lawful occupier, entered the premises.

He stated that in terms of the lease agreement signed between CEWDAR Investments, the owners of the premises, and one Katu Muleya, the lessee of the premises he - at all times - had the lawful authority to enter the premises.

“He will further deny any suggestion that he evicted the complainant’s maid and will instead give the background to how he was, in fact, called onto the premises by the maid following protracted complaints by the maid of non-payment of her salary, non-juicing of electricity at the apartment resulting in the maid requesting him to buy tokens for the electricity, which he did on three occasions, following undertakings for a refund by the lessee.”

He further said that he took pictures of the rooms and sent them to Lumi so that she could see if any of her belongings were missing.