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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
Suspended Zanu-PF Harare provincial youth league chairperson Godwin Gomwe yesterday denied using the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe’s name to fuel factionalism between rival war collaborators’ groups. Giving his defence, Gomwe (34) said the Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators Organisation (ZILIWACO) was the legitimate association, while the Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators Association (ZILIWACA) was not recognised and belonged to the putschist cabal led by former Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru.
Gomwe is accused of insulting Winnie Madekufamba (52) a member of ZILIWACA on December 5 last year during the Zanu-PF National congress and using the First Lady’s name to fuel divisions.
“According to a High Court order, ZILIWACO is the legitimate organisation and ZILIWACA is not recognised in our party or its constitution,” Gomwe said.
“This group was formed as a pressure group to challenge ZILIWACO and it is aligned to Cde Mujuru.
“The complainant belongs to the illegitimate ZILIWACA, which wanted to cause havoc at last year’s Zanu-PF 6th National People’s Congress if not allowed to address the congregation.
“She was angry for not having the glamorous opportunity to speak before the President and tens of thousands of people. She was lying, I never used the First Lady’s name.”
He added that contrary to allegations of causing havoc at the congress by the complainant, the event ended smoothly and President Mugabe was happy.
“It was not my decision for ZILIWACA not to address and I had no motive to deny them the opportunity because I belong to neither of the two groups.
“All I wanted was to ensure peace as it is the mandate of youths to defend the party. There are no allegations from the party that I ruined the event neither did I use Amai’s name,” Gomwe said.
The matter was adjourned to Friday for continuation of the defence case.
Gomwe pleaded not guilty to criminal insult and contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act.
He allegedly told Mufandaedza that she is a witch and he would have sexual intercourse with her and her goblins until they felt dizzy.
He is also accused of inciting youths to assault her.
Online Reporter