Court rejects wife’s bid to let ex-MP off the hook

The case in which former MDC-T legislator Timothy Mubhawu is being accused of domestic violence took a new twist yesterday when his wife tried to have the charges against him withdrawn.

This came as video footage emerged showing Mubhawu apparently absolving his wife of having an adulterous affair with Pastor Manson Mpofu.

The prosecutor Ms Patience Chimusaru opposed the withdrawal of the matter saying she suspected that Molleen Mubhawu had been coerced to drop the charges by the former Mabvuku-Tafara Member of Parliament.

The court ordered that Molleen be sent for professional counselling at Musasa Project within two weeks.

Court rejects wife’s bid to let ex-MP off the hook

Ms Chimusaru said the matter could not be withdrawn as the charge indicated that a dangerous weapon had been used to commit the offence, adding that a medical affidavit obtained at Parirenyatwa Hospital where the victim was treated would be produced in court as exhibit.

Mubhawu’s lawyer Mr Stephen Chikotora told the court that he was not ready to proceed because he was standing in for lawyer Mr Everson Chatambudza who was off sick.

The magistrate Ms Nomsa Sabarauta, adjourned the matter to July 4 for trial.

Mubhawu (52) is alleged to have struck his wife with a machete on the knee and hands following a domestic dispute at their Donnybrook home on May 15.

It is alleged that Mubhawu accused his wife of cheating with Pastor Mpofu.

Molleen sustained a cut on her right palm while trying to block the machete and later reported the matter to police leading to Mubhawu’s arrest.

Meanwhile, video footage has been released showing Mubhawu absolving his wife of infidelity.

In the video clip, Mubhawu is heard apologising to Pastor Mpofu for falsely accusing him of cheating with his wife.

Mubhawu asks the pastor for forgiveness saying he was influenced by Satan. Herald