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Court Reporter
Eleven MDC-T supporters who were involved in skirmishes linked to intra-party violence in Chitungwiza last week were on Tuesday granted US$50 bail apiece. Those involved in the political violence allegedly over calls for leadership change in the party held positions of security officers, ward chairpersons and organising secretaries.
Yosuf Andireya (35) jointly appeared in court with Jacob Muvavi (46), Tarubereka Mashoko (35), Piniel Mutadzo (39), Davision Zibute (44), Chengetai Nyangando (45), Josphine Nyagapa (37), Rudo Masunda (39), Barnabas Chirimhanzi (40), Madei Moyounotsva (39) and Anna Daniel (63) all of Chitungwiza.
They were not formally charged of public violence before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo and were remanded to April 29 for trial.
They were also asked to report once every Friday at St Mary’s Police Station as part of their bail conditions.
Prosecutor Mr Tendai Mukariri alleged that on April 12 and at around 3pm, the 11 gathered at house number 10657 Nehanda Road in Zengeza 4 in Chitungwiza.
During the gathering, they intended to organise a memorial service for the late Modester Namane.
The court heard that while at the venue, Andireya and 11 others were advised by a police officer Caston Matova to disperse since they had not notified police of their gathering.
They could not budge and after the officer left, they started chanting the party’s slogan denigrating National Assembly member for Zengeza East constituency Alexio Musundire (MDC-T), who is allegedly linked to expelled deputy-treasurer general Mr Elton Mangoma.
Mr Mukariri further alleged that this resulted in a scuffle, with the activists exchanging blows and throwing stones at each other.
During the scuffle Masunda sustained a cut on her left leg, while Muvavi had a cut on the lip.
They were arrested on the same day after the matter was reported to the police by members of public.
Online Reporter