Two women accused of assaulting four women during the closing stages of the Doek & Slay event at Glamis Arena on Sunday have appeared in court fac...
HARARE – Two women accused of assaulting four women during the closing stages of the Doek & Slay event at Glamis Arena on Sunday have appeared in court facing four counts of assault.
Nancy Murinye, 30, and Rosylin Luwizhi, 25, appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo. They were each granted US$150 bail and are expected to return to court on September 3.
The two women are accused of attacking revellers at the event, with the allegations involving attempts to remove wigs and weaves as well as biting and other forms of physical assault.
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Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambabwu told the court that the alleged incidents occurred as the event was coming to an end on Sunday evening.
On the first count, the court heard that at around 8pm, Florence Svovera was attending the Doek & Slay event when she was approached by the accused while making her way to the toilets.
The prosecution alleges that Luwizhi forcibly removed Svovera’s wig before pushing her to the ground.
When Svovera resisted, Luwizhi allegedly bit her on the face and right middle finger. Murinye is accused of biting Svovera on the right elbow.
According to the State’s allegations, the attack resulted in Svovera surrendering her wig.
The second allegation involved another reveller, Sharmaine Tumbawi, who was reportedly at the same event around the same time.
The court heard that Luwizhi and Murinye, together with another accomplice who has not yet been arrested, allegedly grabbed Tumbawi.
Luwizhi allegedly pushed Tumbawi to the ground and bit her on the nose.
The prosecution alleges that Murinye and the unidentified accomplice then fled while Luwizhi remained behind holding Tumbawi.
Tumbawi allegedly sustained a deep cut to her nose during the incident.
The third count relates to Sandra Marufu, who was allegedly approached and grabbed by the two accused at around 9pm while attending the event.
According to the prosecution, Luwizhi allegedly attempted to remove Marufu’s weave, prompting Marufu to hold onto it.
The court heard that Luwizhi then allegedly bit Marufu on the left ear, causing injuries.
The fourth allegation involved Chido Milanzi, who was reportedly attempting to restrain the accused during an altercation arising from a misunderstanding involving her sister.
The prosecution alleges that Luwizhi bit Milanzi on the left cheek and ear during the incident.
Milanzi allegedly suffered an injury to her left ear.
The four complainants subsequently reported the incidents to the police, leading to the arrest of Murinye and Luwizhi.
The allegations relate to incidents that occurred at the popular women’s event at Glamis Arena. The prosecution’s case is that the accused physically attacked several women during the final stages of the event.
The court proceedings have so far involved allegations only, and the two accused have not been convicted of the offences. Their appearance before the magistrate allows the allegations to proceed through the criminal justice process.
The court granted both women bail of US$150 each. They are scheduled to return to court on September 3.
The fourth alleged incident reportedly began when Milanzi attempted to restrain the accused during a misunderstanding involving her sister. The prosecution alleges that the confrontation resulted in her being bitten.
The State’s allegations cover four separate complainants and incidents during the same event. Three of the allegations involve attempts to remove or take wigs or weaves, while the fourth arose from an attempt to intervene in an altercation.
Police became involved after the complainants reported the alleged attacks. Murinye and Luwizhi were subsequently arrested and brought before the court.
The prosecution has also identified a third person who allegedly participated in the second incident, but that person remains at large.
No conviction has been recorded against Murinye or Luwizhi in relation to the allegations. The matter will return to court on September 3, when further proceedings are expected.
The case has attracted attention because the alleged assaults took place during a major entertainment event attended by women. However, the charges remain allegations until tested through the court process.
For now, the two accused remain out on bail after each was ordered to pay US$150. Their next court appearance is scheduled for September 3.
The four complainants are expected to form the basis of the State’s case as the prosecution proceeds with the assault charges. The alleged injuries described in court include a cut to the nose and injuries to the ear, cheek, face, finger and elbow.
The court will ultimately determine the merits of the allegations based on the evidence presented. Until then, Murinye and Luwizhi remain accused persons and are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
