Staff ReporterThe High Court is poised to deliver its judgement on Pius Jamba Mukandi, accused of the brutal murder of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Moreblessing Ali in June last year. The verdict, initially scheduled for Thursday, was postponed to allow the State to present its final arguments.
Mukandi faces serious allegations following the disappearance and subsequent murder of Ali. Despite his denial of the charges, the trial featured testimony from seven witnesses, including Mukandi’s mother, Lina Mukandi, and sister, Mercy. They contested Mukandi’s alibi, with his mother stating she was unaware of his whereabouts on the day of Ali’s murder.
The case took a chilling turn with the revelation of the events leading to Ali’s death. Ali was last seen on May 24, 2022, at Chibhanguza Night Club in Nyatsime, Beatrice. An altercation allegedly ensued between her and Mukandi, who was armed with a catapult. Following this, Ali and her friend Kirina Mayironi attempted to leave, but Mayironi witnessed Mukandi dragging Ali’s body. Mayironi herself was injured while attempting to intervene.
Prosecutors accuse Mukandi of subsequently taking Ali to a secluded location, where he murdered her using an unknown weapon and strangled her with her trousers. In a gruesome act, Mukandi allegedly dismembered Ali’s body and disposed of the parts in a disused well on his mother’s property.
The discovery of Ali’s remains on June 11, 2022, followed a disturbing stench emanating from the well. Mukandi subsequently fled, prompting an extensive manhunt.
Justice Esther Muremba is overseeing this high-profile case, with Michael Mugabe and Terrence Mukuze leading the prosecution. Mukandi is represented by attorney Garikai Mhishi. The upcoming judgement is eagerly anticipated, promising closure to a case that has captured national attention and highlighted the ongoing challenges of political violence in the region.
