State in quandary over Bennett trial

Trust Maanda, one of the lawyers, said he was struggling to get the papers that were necessary for the defence team to adequately prepare for the trial scheduled for October 13. Maanda warned the AGs office the defence team would seek a court order to compel the state to avail the needed documents.

We would like to advise that to date we have not received the documents, Maanda said, in a letter written to Arnold Chiwara, the area prosecutor. In order for us to prepare for trial we urgently request that you furnish us with the said documents before the end of the week.

Failing to do so we shall approach the court for an order compelling delivery of these documents. The delay in providing us with the papers will effectively prejudice preparations by the defence, Maanda said. It confirms our initial view that the state merely provided a trial date for fear that Bennett will be removed from remand.

Chiwara was not immediately available for comment on the matter as he was said to be out of the office. However the state is understood to be struggling to come up with witnesses to support its case against Bennett.

Peter Michael Hitschmann, the former police constabulary, who finished his jail sentence two months ago for possessing dangerous weapons without authority, was likely to be lined up as a potential witness. However, Hitschmann has since made it known he will not testify against Bennett.

This, according to Maanda, effectively puts the State in a quandary ahead of the start of the trial. Bennet faces a possible life in prison sentence if convicted.

When the court announced the trial date, Bennetts lawyers, filed an application seeking his removal from remand if the State was not ready with the case.

Bennett faces charges of attempting to assassinate President Robert Mugabe four years ago. The MDC politician denies the charges saying they are political motivated.