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Lovemore Meya Court Reporter—
The trial of 13 MDC-T activists allegedly involved in skirmishes linked to intra-party differences in Chitungwiza will start on June 12.
Those involved in the alleged violence over calls for leadership change in the party held positions of security officers, ward chairpersons and organising secretaries.
Yosuf Andireya (35) jointly appeared in court with Jacob Muvavi (46), Tarubereka Mashoko (35), Piniel Mutadzo (39), Davision Zibute (44), Chengetai Nyangando (45), Josphine Nyagapa (37), Rudo Masunda (39), Barnabas Chirimhanzi (40), Maidei Moyounotsva (39), Egen Kambewa (29), Stanford Chanakira (29) and Anna Daniel (63).
Kambewa and Chanakira appeared on a separate record, which was already tied to that of the other 11.
They are represented by lawyer Mr Maxwell Mavhunga and are on US$50 bail each.
Appearing before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo, the 13 were not formally charged with public violence.
Prosecutor Mr Tendai Mukariri alleged that on April 12 and at around 3pm, the group gathered at house number 10657 Nehanda Road in Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza, to organise a memorial service for the late Modester Namane.
A police officer, Caston Matova, advised them to disperse but they refused after which the cop left.
Soon after, it is alleged, they started chanting party slogans and denigrating National Assembly member for Zengeza East constituency Mr Alexio Musundire, said to be linked to a rival faction.
This ignited in a scuffle with supporters of the rival faction, with the supporters exchanging blows and throwing stones at each other.
Online Reporter