Ngoni Dapira

THE son of Mutare based Indian businessman Shanawaz Abdul Karim (Senior) begged Mutare Magistrate Honest Musiiwa today (Monday) not to be placed in remand custody after spending two nights in prison following his arrest on Saturday for contempt of court charges.

“Please sir, I’m living under unbearable conditions. I will not last a week in prison,” was the plea by the 32 years old Shanawaz Abdul Karim (Junior) after Magistrate Musiiwa further remanded him in custody at Mutare Remand Prison.

According to the State outline, the accused Karim (Jnr) was supposed to have relinquished to his father, Karim (Snr), the original title deed for an immovable commercial property on stand number 41 Tembwe Street in Mutare.

“He was supposed to have handed over original title deeds in terms of a civil court ruling, so he is facing contempt of court charges through court order MTCG 711/25,” said prosecutor Brighton Garikai Chiromo.

The father and son have the same names. Karim (Jnr) pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested to see any of his family members or anyone from the Indian community to help resolve the matter. Magistrate Musiiwa nonetheless remanded him in custody pending trial next Friday (28 November).

The 32 years old who was garbed in the khakhi prison attire typically worn by unconvicted prisoners in remand or those on trial, left the dock almost in tears as he begged for leniency citing that this was more of a family matter. He added that he had not been accorded the opportunity for any legal representation since his arrest because he did not know how the process works.

In Zimbabwe, contempt of court charges can result from disobeying a court order, which is considered a criminal offense and can be prosecuted by the Attorney-General. Penalties include a fine, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, though imprisonment is typically reserved for repeat offenders or serious infractions.