Online Reporter
Court Correspondent
A Harare man has appeared in court facing two counts of assault after allegedly attacking two prison officers on the same day following a misunderstanding.
Francis Machoba is facing two counts of assault before Harare magistrate Ms Lynne Chinzou.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges. The State alleges that on May 14, 2026, at around 2 pm, Machoba approached prison officer Paul Tadiwanashe Mutizirwa at his workplace carrying an empty beer bottle.
It is alleged that Machoba was shouting at Mutizirwa, accusing him of touching his wife at Athlone Shops.
The court heard that Machoba then started throwing stones at Mutizirwa before allegedly throwing the empty bottle at his face.
Mutizirwa alerted his superiors, who summoned the police. Police officers reportedly attended the scene and took Machoba into custody.
Mutizirwa subsequently filed a report at Rhodesville Police Station.
The court heard that Mutizirwa was referred to hospital but did not receive any treatment.
On the second count, the State alleges that another prison officer, Prince Imbayago, was informed by Mutizirwa that he had been assaulted by Machoba.
Imbayago, accompanied by other prison officers, drove to the scene to assist in apprehending Machoba.
However, the court heard that Machoba resisted arrest and allegedly bit Imbayago once on the chin.
Imbayago later proceeded to Rhodesville Police Station, where he filed a report.
The matter was further remanded to a later date.
