Bulawayo businessman testifies in assault case against Pottery Industries owners

The accused, 25-year-old Mellisa Takaramba, appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Rufaro Panavanhu on Wednesday, facing charges of assault. Takaramba, who lives in the same neighbourhood as the victim, pleaded not guilty. She was granted bail of US$100 and is set to return to court on January 26 for the start of her trial.

Peter Matika,Senior Court Reporter

THE assault trial of Pottery Industries (Private) Limited owners, the father-and-son duo John Farley and Liam Farley Pieterson, commenced on Monday at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Courts.

The Pietersons stand accused of assaulting Bulawayo businessman, Mr Bekezela Moyo, at their Belmont premises on 16 July 2025, following a dispute over security operations.

Taking the witness stand, Mr Moyo, who owns Allied Security Company told the court that he sustained internal injuries after being pushed and punched by the pair.

According to the State, represented by Mr Sam Mpofu, the incident occurred when Mr Moyo visited Pottery Industries to inquire why one of his security guards had been barred from duty while gold ore was being processed.

“The accused number two pushed the complainant, and accused number one grabbed him from the back, taking him out of the premises before assaulting him with fists,” Mr Mpofu said.

The Pietersons, represented by Mr Sifiso Nkomo of Nkomo and Sibanda Legal Practitioners, denied the allegations, insisting Mr Moyo “threw the first punch.”

The proceedings have included a tense two-day cross-examination, during, which presiding magistrate Mr Themba Chimiso cautioned Mr Nkomo against straying from relevant questioning or antagonising the witness.
The trial continues today with another witness expected to take the stand.