Positive semen DNA test won’t mean he killed sex worker
A seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church pastor, Marvin Radihephi who is facing a murder charge of an alleged commercial sex worker has been suspended from priesthood, Maun magistrate court was told Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile Radihephi’s attorney, Charles Tlagae is building a possible case of malicious prosecution against the state.
“There is no evidence that link the accused person to the commission of the said crime,” argued Tlagae.
The 38-year old married pastor was arrested after a Zimbabwean woman, 48-year-old Warricious Bhunu was found dead in her rented room in Sanyedi ward in Maun on Sabbath day, which was on Christmas Eve, 24 December, 2022. Allegedly Radihephi had solicited sex services from the now late Bhunu before the gruesome discovery.
Used condoms have been taken for forensic analysis and Tlagae has maintained that even if Radihephi’s DNA was found during the tests, it would not provide proof that he had a hand in the demise of the woman.
“Even if the semen turns out to be his, it would not mean that he committed the offence,” said Tlagae.
The defence attorney further argued that Bhunu was known to provide services to men at a fee and therefore different men came in and out of her house even on the day of her death.
However he asked prosecution to share the results of the lab as him and his client were informed that they have been released and sent to Maun.
“My client [Radihephi) is anxious because he is a priest and right now on suspension by the church,” Tlagae noted.
Earlier prosecution had requested for more time before they could bring affidavits to court as they maintain they are yet to go through Radihephi’s call data. The call history is expected to inform investigators on whether or not, Radihephi had contacted Bhunu before her passing.
However Tlagae is of the view that investigations on the matter are flawed.
The case returns to court on July 20th, 2023 for status hearing.
