HARARE – A Harare medical doctor has found himself in trouble for allegedly giving false testimony in court in defence of a fellow doctor who has since been convicted for cyberbullying a colleague.
Collin Benyura, 57, who is also the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe Registrar, is alleged to have testified under oath that he was representing the council in the criminal proceedings against Lenon Gwaunza, the convicted specialist doctor, well knowing this was false.
Benyura had been called as a defence witness in support of Gwaunza who was charged for cyber-bullying specialist physician Andrew Mataruse falsely claiming the latter was not a qualified professional.
Gwaunza has since been convicted of the offences and awaiting sentence which will be handed on Friday.
Benyura appeared before Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova on charges of perjury with the State alleging his conduct was meant to obstruct the course of justice.
He was granted US$200 bail and was ordered not to visit the council’s offices again until the matter is finalised.
It is the State’s case that on November 6 this year, Benyura “unlawfully and intentionally made statements in court with the requisite criminal intention to prejudice the trial of Gwaunza given that the statements made under oath were false.”
It is further alleged that he failed to produce any resolution or minutes of the council authorising him to appear before the Harare Magistrates Court on behalf of the council.
This has resulted in his arrest and appearance in court.
He will be back in court on January 17, 2025.
