The court appearance of Ms Rosina Ramasimu's alleged killer at the Vuwani Magistrate's Court became emotional and dramatic when the dead woman's sister burst into tears upon seeing the alleged killer for the first time.
The court appearance of Rotshidzwa Musetsho last Thursday (1st) drew many members of the community who filled Court A at the magistrate's court. There was also a heavy police presence during the appearance.
During the brief appearance, Musetsho stood motionless and appeared to be very relaxed. His case was postponed to 30 August for further police investigations. He remains in custody.
Outside the court, when community leaders were giving a report back about the appearance, a dramatic episode unfolded when the younger sister of the deceased woman, Ms Josephine Manavhela, burst into tears. "I came here to court to have a glimpse of my sister's (alleged) killer, but the mere sight of him brought back the sad memories. I am in so much pain. The boy did a lot of damage to the family. My sister was a loving person who, out of the meagre income she made from selling firewood, was able to take care of her family," she said.
Manavhela lamented that it seemed as if the accused showed no remorse and was even enjoying his time in prison. "The law should just take its course. I can't look at him anymore. He must just rot in jail," she said.
Community leader Mr Joseph Mauba, who is the vice-chairperson of the Manavhela Civic Association, said they were comfortable with the postponement. "This serves us well. We do not want to see a situation where police would rush investigations and go to court without ammunition, only to see the case collapse," he said.
Musetsho's arrest followed an incident that happened on 4 April this year when the 60-year-old Ms Rosina Ramasimu and her friend were attacked while collecting firewood in the local bushes at Manavhela. The friend managed to return to the village and alert the community. Ramasimu's lifeless body was found in the bushes where they were collecting firewood.