Khupe driver granted bail

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
MDC-T vice president Thokozani Khupe’s driver Witness Dube accused of robbery and theft of a vehicle belonging to a fellow party member, has been granted $200 bail. Dube, 37, and six other MDC-T members aligned to party leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who are still on the run, are facing robbery and theft charges after they allegedly hijacked a vehicle belonging to Matabeleland North provincial chairman Sengezo Tshabangu.

Through his lawyer Tanaka Muganyi, Dube said Tsvangirai had ordered them to seize party vehicles and other assets in possession of those in the Tendai Biti-led leadership renewal camp.

Dube and his colleagues allegedly took away cash and cellphones from Tshabangu’s driver Zaccaria Nkomo and two other party members.
In her bail ruling magistrate Sibongile Msipa said, “The accused is a good candidate for bail. From the evidence given before the court, it is clear that he was acting under instructions from his superiors. Although he used violence, there is no good ground to deny him bail.”

Prosecutors say Dube and his accomplices pounced on Nkomo along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street and assaulted him before taking away the vehicle.
Tshabangu has since made an urgent application at the High Court demanding his Isuzu twin cab back. The vehicle is believed to be at Tsvangirai’s residence in Harare.

The seized vehicle is valued at $30,350 while a Blackberry and a Nokia 1202 cellphones and cash were all valued at $300.
Danmore Kasenza appeared for the state and the trial continues on June 17.