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Magistrate surprisingly dismisses application for discharge
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
January 16, 2012

WOZA leaders Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu returned to court today, January 16 2011 in order to hear the Magistrate's ruling on their application to dismiss their case without being put on their defence. After a fortnight of waiting, WOZA expected the magistrate, Mr Goodluck Sangweni, to rule in their favour, since the state had presented no evidence that could support the charges of Kidnap and Theft. However, to everyone's surprise, the Magistrate said that he believed the aims of justice would be served by putting the accused on their defence.

The defence lawyer, Kossam Ncube, asked for the magistrate to give his reasons for this unexpected decision. Explaining that there is no appeal process, Ncube advised that he would seek to apply to the High Court to review the Magistrates decision and needed a written copy of reasons for dismissal of the application. The magistrate then agreed to present his reasons in writing on Friday, January 20. WOZA are intrigued to find out the reasons he has, and expect Ncube to speedily apply to the High Court for review. The review procedure is followed when there appears to be either bias or irregularity in the proceedings of a case.

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