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Wynne Zanamwe, Midlands Reporter
THE GWERU High Court circuit opens today with 17 murder cases lined up for trial but the Midlands Provincial Public Prosecutor has said he is not happy with police preparations for the hearings.

The Provincial Public Prosecutor, Mr Samuel Pedzisai said nine accused persons were already in custody awaiting trial.

Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi will preside over the circuit for the next two weeks.

“Out of 17 murder cases the Police have managed to indict only four accused persons since the other five accused persons were already in custody at Whawha Prison.

“We are not pleased with the way police have handled these cases, the High Court session will begin today and 10 accused persons are still at large,” he said.

Mr Pedzisai said some of witnesses were not served with summons to attend the High Court session.

“It’s not just about the accused persons, there is also a challenge with witnesses. Not everyone was served with summons so that they could come to court.

“The police returns this time around are not pleasing,” said Mr Pedzisai.

The accused persons not yet arrested are Portifer Chunda, Dzikamai Sibanda, Owen Mavhikeni, Agrippa Fanisiko, Modrick Matiki, Samson Sibanda, Tyson Sibanda, Alfred Sithole, Mthokozisi Nyathi and Kingstone Mpofu.

—@wynnezane.