Mai Tt fined for court absence

Zim Now Writer

Felistas 'Mai Tt' Murata was fined and issued a stern warning by Harare magistrate Lynn Chizhou for failing to appear in court on August 19. Murata's lawyer, Tafadzwa Muvhami, argued that she had been absent due to her father's burial.

While Muvhami claimed that the funeral was widely publicized, Magistrate Chizhou ruled that the lack of documentation, such as a death certificate or burial order, made it difficult to believe Murata's explanation. The magistrate noted that this was the second time Murata had defaulted court this month and confirmed the warrant for her arrest.

Murata was fined US$30 or faced the prospect of one month in prison.

The incident occurred in the context of a perjury case against Melissa Munyorove, where Murata is the complainant. The court heard that Murata owed Munyorove US$3120 and had agreed to pay US$500 monthly.

Munyorove is accused of perjury after allegedly swearing a false affidavit stating that she had served summons to Murata on April 30. This led to a default judgment against Murata, which was later overturned when she discovered the fraudulent affidavit.

The trial in the perjury case is expected to commence today.