By Panashe Karidzagundi
A Beitbridge Court has thrown out a second application by a Beitbridge man to recover what he believes are his six cattles, in a case previously dismissed by another court in 2023.
Joseph Mbedzi appeared before Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni against Conolia Mbedzi, on Monday this week, arguing that he was entitled to recover the cattle after police investigations allegedly confirmed that the original cow had produced offspring over the years.
Addressing the court, Joseph told the court that the dispute stemmed from a cattle trade arrangement in which he claimed ownership of the beast.
“I have a cow that I traded with someone but Conolia took it. Since 2019 I have been moving up and down seeking help. The police confirmed that the cow produced offspring and now I want my six cattle. I am not speaking on assumptions, I am speaking the truth,” he said.
In response, Conolia denied taking the animal and argued that the matter had already been dealt with by the courts previously.
“I do not understand the basis of this application because we previously appeared before the court and the matter was dismissed in 2023. I did not take anything from him,” said Conolia.
Joseph acknowledged that the matter had indeed previously been dismissed but insisted that he still wanted his cattle returned.
“His response is correct, but I still want my beast because I am the one who did the trade,” he told the court.
The court heard that Joseph had also approached Magistrate Chimweta over the same issue in the past.
Magistrate Mbonisi Kaweni told, applicant Joseph Mbedzi that he should have followed process and appealed against a ruling made earlier henceforth dismissed a reaplication
“The matter is dismissed. If you were not happy with the decision made then, you should have appealed at that time,” ruled Kaweni.