Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
AN assault case involving prominent businessman Bekezela Moyo and the owners of Pottery Industries, has taken a dramatic turn after the latter alleged police investigations have been compromised. Liam Farley Pieterson (28) and his father, John Farley Pieterson (56) claim the case, which was recently postponed, has not been handled professionally by the police.
In a letter addressed to the Officer Commanding Police in Suburban, Bulawayo, the Pietersons claim the matter — stemming from an altercation on July 16 at Pottery Industries, in the Belmont Industrial area —has been mishandled. They allege they filed a report and sought medical attention on the same day.
“Upon request, they were advised that the case number was CR 42/07/25 and that investigations were underway. Our clients communicated with the investigating officer, Sergeant Mususa, expressing fears of political influence in the matter, but were assured the process would be above board,” the letter states.
The Pietersons further claim that a forensic team retrieved CCTV footage on July 18. At that time, they allege that Mr Moyo had not yet submitted a statement or medical report, despite having already contacted the police to report an assault. The Pietersons also allege they were summoned to Donnington Police Station on July 28, where warning and cautionary statements were taken.
“On the same day, we went to Donnington with our clients to try and understand what was happening. We could, however, not be meaningfully assisted as the investigating officer was not present, and he required both dockets for him to assist. The dockets were apparently not there at the time,” read the documents.
The matter escalated when the Pietersons attended Tredgold Magistrates Court the following day.
“We then attended Tredgold on 29 July 2025. To our surprise, we were then advised that both dockets had been brought to prosecution, and it was decided that the assault on Liam Pieterson did not have enough evidence; in fact, both John and Liam were to be the accused persons.”
The State’s case alleges that Mr Moyo initiated legal action against the Pietersons after he was “violently assaulted” and subsequently “defamed” by them.
The prosecution alleges that the altercation occurred when Mr Moyo went to the company to inquire why one of his employees had been barred from carrying out security duties while gold ore was being processed.
According to the state, the Pietersons attacked Mr Moyo upon his arrival.
“The second accused pushed the complainant, while the first accused grabbed him from behind, removed him from the premises and assaulted him with fists all over the body,” the prosecution said.
Mr Moyo further alleges that following the incident, the Pietersons circulated a voice note accusing him of armed robbery. The case is set to be heard on September 22.
