Stephen Katsa v The State

### Preamble
1
HH 435-21
CON 149/21
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STEPHEN KATSA

versus

THE STATE

HIGH COURT OF ZIMBABWE

MUREMBA J

HARARE, 24 August 2021

Chamber Application

Applicant in person

MUREMBA J: The application for condonation for late noting of appeal is hereby dismissed. The applicant has no prospects of success on appeal. Whilst he says that the court a quo did not inform him of his legal right to legal representation, it is clear from the record of proceedings that the accused’s guilty plea to the rape charges was unequivocal. He admitted to the charges and all the essential elements of the offence. Even in mitigation it is clear that he was admitting to having committed the offences. It is my considered view that there was no substantial miscarriage of justice. In any case the accused was convicted and sentenced on 30 January 2015. It has been more than 6 years now. The delay in bringing this application was inordinate and there is no good explanation for it.

It be and is ordered that the application is dismissed.