Defense lawyer Patrick Kauta wants courts to dismiss charges against former agriculture minister Mac Hengari. The lawyer claims prosecutors based their case on allegations that never happened. Hengari faces accusations of paying someone to withdraw a rape charge. Kauta argues no rape charge exists against his client. The defense team believes the entire case lacks legal foundation.
Prosecutor Filistas Shikerete-Vendura says the objection comes before proper time. She explains that charges remain preliminary until investigators finish their work. The prosecutor general will decide final charges after the investigation ends. Shikerete-Vendura calls the defense application baseless under current law. She wants the court to reject the motion completely.
Police arrested Hengari seven weeks ago on three criminal counts. Authorities claim he gave 220,200 dollars to a rape complainant during April. The money allegedly served as payment for withdrawing criminal charges. Hengari and his unnamed co-accused remain locked up awaiting trial. Magistrate Monica Andjaba will announce her decision on July 4.
Prosecutor Filistas Shikerete-Vendura says the objection comes before proper time. She explains that charges remain preliminary until investigators finish their work. The prosecutor general will decide final charges after the investigation ends. Shikerete-Vendura calls the defense application baseless under current law. She wants the court to reject the motion completely.
Police arrested Hengari seven weeks ago on three criminal counts. Authorities claim he gave 220,200 dollars to a rape complainant during April. The money allegedly served as payment for withdrawing criminal charges. Hengari and his unnamed co-accused remain locked up awaiting trial. Magistrate Monica Andjaba will announce her decision on July 4.
