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Yeukai Karengezeka Herald Correspondent
Zengeza East legislator Goodrich Chimbaira (MDC-ALLIANCE) and Ward 14 councillor Chengetai Nyagondo appeared in court yesterday on allegations of engaging in public violence and attempted murder during the party’s aborted district elections in Chitungwiza last Saturday.
The two, who are being represented by Mr Alec Muchadehama, appeared before Chitungwiza resident magistrate Mr Nyasha Vitorini.
Chimbaira (47) is facing attempted murder and public violence charges, while Nyagondo has been charged with public violence.
The State strongly opposed bail, stating that the two were likely to interfere with witnesses as they belonged to the same political party and they might commit similar offences since the election process was postponed.
But Chimbaira was granted $200 bail on the attempted murder charge and ordered to report twice at the Chitungwiza Police Station, not to interfere with witnesses and to surrender his passport.
Mr Vitorini said he was going to state the reasons why he had granted him the bail, while bail ruling for the public violence case will be made today.
The State, led by Mr Tatenda Mukatera, alleged that on March 30 between 4pm and 4:10pm, Chimbaira and Nyagondo, together with their accomplices who are still at large, denied the witnesses entry to a house in Unit J, where the MDC-Alliance was conducting district elections for candidates to contest at the elective congress set for May.
Afterwards, Chimbaira, Nyagondo and their accomplices began to assault former Chitungwiza deputy mayor Jabulani Mtunzi, Lilian Munyangadzi, Moreblessing Simango, Rabani Pirikisi, Andrew Samuriwo, Moses Tsikwa and Abigail Tarupiwa using stones and open hands.
Chimbaira then allegedly attempted to run over Mtunzi, who is also Chitungwiza provincial MDC youth chairperson, with his Toyota Fortuner and he sustained some injuries.
Mtunzi was rescued by some members of the public.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to Chimbaira and Nyagondo’s arrest.
Online Reporter