Dr says tests confirmed dangerous drug in Chiwenga...

Dr says tests confirmed dangerous drug in Chiwenga’system and alleges Marry Mubaiwa paid him US$1900

Zim Now Writer

A medial doctor who is a witness in the trial of Marry Mubaiwa has said test revealed that there was Pethidine in Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s system.

**In happier times: Marry Mubaiwa and Constantino Chiwenga before their acrimonious break up**

Online sources say Pethidine is s an opioid medicine that can cause life-threatening breathing problems and is not recommended as a first option for pain management.

South African physician Dr. Willi Leo Sieling told the court that in December 2018, he was summoned by Deputy Health Minister Dr. John Mangwiro to attend to the Vice President at a Pretoria hotel.

“I discussed with the complainant in the suspect’s presence and just before they left, the accused gave me US$1 900, but I did not know what the money was for,” he said

During the visit, discussions took place regarding the possibility of seeking surgical treatment in Cape Town.

Some months later Dr. Sieling arranged for the Vice President’s admission to a high-care unit.

He said: “On the second trip on June 23, 2019, Dr. Mangwiro called me saying the complainant was extremely ill and needed admission to a high-care unit at NetCare Pretoria Hospital and I made the arrangements.”

According to Dr Spieling, specimens were extracted, confirming the presence of Pethidine and Propofol, powerful pain medication and a sedative, respectively. But he could not establish who had administered the drugs.

The witness said he disclosed the information to VP Chiwenga alone as in normal in the confidential nature of patient and doctor relations.

He told the court that a security officer then came into the room and ordered Dr. Sieling to cease communication with the Vice President.

The trial, presided over by Harare magistrate Mr. Feresi Chakanyuka, was adjourned until August 28 for further proceedings.

Marry Mubaiwa is facing charges of attempting to kill her ex-husband, Constantino Chiwenga, by unplugging his life support system in a South African hospital.

Mubaiwa has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Her defence team argues that the charges were brought against her as a means to exert pressure during the divorce proceedings in the High Court.