AMIR DENIES SPLASHING THE NUDES

TEENAGER Amir Edwin Mhaka, who is alleged to have leaked Mai TT’s daughter’s nude images online, has denied ever receiving the pictures.

He was released on US$50 bail. Amir, who was represented by Admire Rubaya and Malvern Mapako, appeared before magistrate Caroline Matanga yesterday.

The lawyers raised several questions and promised to file an application for exception on the next remand date.

“We want the trial as soon as possible and we are surprised that the State wants to postpone the matter to 15 May because we are ready for trial.

“The charges don’t make sense and the State should be ready for an exception on the next date.

“They are charging him in terms of 164 (e) Subsection 1 and the point we make is that from the witness statements, belonging to the complainant Felisha Muzeya and Felistas Murata (Mai TT), none of them is an expert.

“This offence relates to digital or electronic evidence and we haven’t been furnished with the relevant evidence from an expert linking the accused person to the alleged distribution and broadcasting of the evidence.”

Rubaya added:

“They didn’t indicate what gadget was used, whether it’s a computer or phone and there’s no evidence that he ever received them from the complainant.

“The million dollar question is on broadcasting and where did he broadcast the nude pictures, what is the name he used to distribute, when and where exactly were these particular pictures sent, they ought to deal with these things before trial commences.

“In any case, the complainant herself should be arrested because what guarantee do we have that she didn’t distribute the nude pictures for popularity purposes?”

The State represented by Nomsa Kangara and Mandirasa Chigumira took note of the notice and said they will be ready to respond on the next remand date.