Warrant of arrest for land baron

HARARE magistrate, Simon Munyaradzi Kandiero, has ordered the State to enforce an outstanding warrant of arrest against land baron, Felix Munyaradzi, who is facing obstruction of justice charges.

The State, represented by Monalisa Magwenzi, told the court Munyaradzi had been summoned to court but failed to turn up, and as such he was applying for a warrant of arrest.

Magistrate Kandiero said Munyaradzi is on an outstanding warrant of arrest that the State ought to effect.

The complainant in the matter is Police Commissioner Erasmus Makodza.

However, there is a letter placed on record that was written by Munyaradzi, through his lawyers, advising the State that the land baron had the charges quashed by the High Court for irregularity, and an order to that effect was issued.

In the letter, they told the State that they ‘believe this was now an abuse of the court process and violation of their client’s rights, which will lead to litigation against the officers.

They threatened to sue the prosecutor and any other official initiating the process of trial.

Allegations are that Munyaradzi attempted to coerce the police boss to withdraw criminal charges laid against the land baron.

Makodza filed a report of fraud against Munyaradzi after he sold him a residential stand that was later sold to another buyer.

Munyaradzi was arrested and taken to court, before being released on bail by the High Court and, as part of his

bail conditions, he was ordered not to interfere with witnesses.

On an unknown date in January last year, the court heard, Munyaradzi allegedly sent emissaries to try and influence Makodza to withdraw the charges and negotiate an out-of-court settlement before the case ran its course. Munyaradzi allegedly threatened Makodza he would be arrested if he failed to comply.

The state alleges that Munyaradzi attempted to defeat the course of justice by interfering with a State witness that was set to testify against him.