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Zvikomborero Parafini
A HARARE magistrate says Tendai Biti, as a lawyer, should know to control his emotions because he knows the consequences which come with not doing that.
Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro said this as she fined the politician US$300 for verbally assaulting a Russian businesswoman, Tatiana Aleshina.
Aleshina is affiliated to Westprop Holdings and is in an ongoing dispute with Biti’s client Georgios Katsimberis.
Biti was convicted of calling Aleshina a “stupid i***t”.
In addition to the fine, he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, which was wholly suspended.
The trial was delayed by almost four years.
“This conviction is not the first for the accused. The incident happened at court and the court took into consideration that the offence was not premeditated.
“Biti is a legal practitioner and should know how to handle himself. He ought to have controlled his emotions, the court will frown on his behaviour considering the titles he holds.
“The court is also surprised that the accused is complaining that the trial took too long yet the delay is largely attributed to his conduct and he wasted the court’s time.
“In this case, it has already been said that sentencing guidelines do not apply because it is a fact there was no physical assault hence certainly a custodial sentence will be too harsh.
“Community service in my view should be reserved for serious cases and it would be too harsh in this case. Moreover, the court took into consideration that he apologised even though the way he said it did not show genuineness,” said the magistrate.
Online Reporter