Cellphone dealer Sipho Million murder trial moves forward as High Court rules two accused have case to answer
The Zimbabwe High Court has ruled that two men accused of murdering cellphone dealer Sipho Million Ncube must stand trial. The judge determined that forensic evidence, including DNA matches on clothing and a knife, is sufficient to proceed with the case.
Why it matters
This ruling marks a significant step in a high-profile criminal case, emphasizing the role of forensic science in judicial proceedings.
Two men accused of murdering Harare cellphone dealer Sipho Million Ncube must now mount their defence after the High Court ruled that the State had presented enough evidence for the trial to continue.
Elvin Saungweme Dongo and Dellon David Balani had applied for discharge at the close of the State’s case, arguing that prosecutors had failed to produce evidence linking them to the March 2020 murder.
But Justice Tommasi on August 25 dismissed their application, finding that the cumulative effect of forensic evidence, alleged pointing-outs and the accused’s own statements in bail applications was sufficient to put them on their defence.
The murder of Ncube, a cellphone dealer, was widely publicised at the time, with his disappearance triggering searches by relatives and business associates before his body was recovered.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in