Defence attorneys have sharply criticized Elizabeth Parirenyatwa, accusing her of making a mockery of the legal process and turning courtroom proceedings into a “circus” after yet another attempt to postpone a trial in which she is a key witness.
The State requested a delay, citing Parirenyatwa’s alleged ill health. They submitted a medical note from a doctor identified only as Dr. Mangwiro, claiming that Parirenyatwa was unfit for “duty.” However, the note lacked specifics about her condition or any indication of when she might be well enough to appear in court.
The presiding magistrate expressed skepticism over the vague wording of the letter, questioning what “duty” it referred to and why no timeline for recovery had been provided.
“If the note says she’s unfit for duty, does that mean she’s mentally unfit to testify? There’s no clarity at all. What duty are we even talking about here?” the magistrate asked.
Parirenyatwa’s absence sparked a strong objection from the defence, who accused her of manipulating the process to avoid cross-examination.
“This is no longer a trial; it’s becoming a performance. This witness is undermining the court’s integrity,” one of the defence lawyers argued.
The legal team said Parirenyatwa had not explained how her alleged condition prevents her from testifying and insisted that her behavior is inconsistent with someone too ill to appear in court.
“Just this morning, she was seen walking around the court building, talking with people, even visiting the prosecutor-in-charge’s office. That hardly fits the image of someone medically unfit,” they said.
They claimed the witness is intentionally obstructing proceedings and called for action.
“If she won’t testify, fine — but let that be recorded. Her evidence should be dismissed, and the State must proceed without her,” the defence insisted.
They also highlighted that one of the accused, Mr. Murphy, suffers from a chronic health condition requiring him to use an oxygen machine, yet he continues to attend court without fail.
“It’s absurd that someone who initiated a criminal complaint is now unwilling to follow through by testifying,” the lawyers said.
The magistrate postponed the matter to the following day, when Dr. Mangwiro is expected to appear in court and clarify the medical claims.
Just last week, Parirenyatwa abruptly halted cross-examination, claiming she was experiencing a sudden drop in blood sugar while on the witness stand.
Meanwhile, inquiries have reportedly found no genealogical evidence supporting Parirenyatwa’s claim that Brian James Rhodes is related to colonial figure Cecil John Rhodes — a central point in the ongoing legal dispute.
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