Harare businessman, Yitbarek Tekie, was yesterday fined by regional magistrate Clever Tsikwa for wilful default in court appearance.
Tekie is facing attempted murder charges and was arrested on Monday after defaulting court twice.
Magistrate Tsikwa confirmed the warrant of arrest and ruled that Tekie was in wilful default on both occasions, showing complete disregard of the court.
He ordered him to pay a US$20 fine. Tsikwa, however, said he couldn’t grant the State’s application to have Tekie’s bail revoked because he was released on free bail after being initially placed on remand.
Tekie and his suspected accomplice, Vanessa Evershed, who is at large, are accused of attempting to kill an elderly man on horseback, accusing him of peeping into their yard.
It is alleged that John Taylor was riding his horse and passed through Evershed’s residence.
The State said Tekie followed Taylor with his car.
He was in the company of Evershed.
When they got closer to Taylor, Tekie allegedly started driving recklessly towards him, hooting and obstructing him from riding freely, and forced him off the road.
It is said that Taylor struggled to control his horse as it was agitated by Tekie’s hooting and driving.
Tekie and Evershed followed Taylor until they were opposite Pam Golding Properties in Borrowdale.
Tekie is alleged to have tried to drag Taylor off his horse by pulling his leg.
They blocked him with their car with the assistance of some vendors.
Tekie allegedly stoned Taylor and the State said the incident was captured on Pam Golding Properties’ CCTV, which would be produced in court.
Tekie is also accused of animal cruelty and that case is still pending.
His attempted murder trial is set to start on April 4.
