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Senior Court Reporters
Four MDC-T members accused of assaulting the party’s deputy treasurer-general, Mr Elton Mangoma, have been granted US$100 bail each after spending a week in custody. Francis Machimbidzofa (38), Enock Mukudu (31), Stefani Jahwi (36) and Samson Nerwande (41) face assault charges.Nerwande, who is facing an additional charge of public violence for allegedly assaulting Angirayi Moyowatidi, will pay US$200 bail.
It is alleged Nerwande accused Moyowatidi of supporting Mr Mangoma, who allegedly wants to topple party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.
In granting them bail on Wednesday, magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe said the State’s case was weak.
“It is common cause that the accused persons are of fixed aboard and the investigating officer confirmed it,” he said.
“Upon learning that they were wanted by the police, the accused persons surrendered themselves unlike their alleged accomplice, James Chidhakwa, who had to be raided by the police.
“Complainant did not identify the assailants and the video clip does not link them to the offence. This suggests that the State’s case is weak. Accordingly the accused persons are proper candidates for bail.”
As part of their bail conditions the quartet was ordered to report once a week to their nearest police stations, not to interfere with witnesses and investigations, and to reside at their given address until the matter is finalised.
The four are expected back in court on March 19 for routine remand while Chidhakwa is still in custody.
The State alleges that the four punched and slapped Mr Mangoma all over his body at the party’s headquarters.
Mangoma bled from the nose, his shirt was torn and his spectacles – worth US$300 – were damaged, it is alleged.
Meanwhile, another MDC-T activist has been arrested on allegations of assaulting Mr Mangoma.
Paul Gorekore (31), who has been on the run for more than two weeks, appeared in court yesterday charged with assault.
This brings to six the number of suspects arrested so far in connection with the alleged assault that took place outside MDC-T’s headquarters in Harare.
Gorekore appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe and was remanded in custody to today when he is expected to file an application for bail.
He was represented by Mr Benjamin Chikowero while Miss Sharon Mashavira prosecuted.
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