Online Reporter
Peter Matika, Zimpapers Writer
SOCIAL media personality and martial arts instructor Tendai Humbasha Maduwa, popularly known as Sensei Tendai, was on Monday granted US$200 bail when he appeared before the Bulawayo Magistrates Court facing assault charges arising from a confrontation with two Tendy Three Investments (TTI) parking marshals.
Maduwa appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Themba Chimiso, who remanded him to September 8 for trial.
Mr Sam Mpofu represented the State, while Maduwa was represented by Mr Dominic Moyo.
The charges stem from an altercation which occurred on August 21 along Fife Street near the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) building, where Maduwa allegedly clashed with two TTI parking marshals after his vehicle was clamped.
According to the State, Maduwa was preparing to enter a parking bay when one of the parking marshals allegedly knocked on his vehicle window and informed him that the vehicle had been clamped for obstructing traffic.
Maduwa allegedly disputed the decision, arguing that his vehicle was still moving and that he had indicated his intention to enter the parking bay.
The disagreement subsequently escalated into a physical confrontation which was captured on video and later circulated widely on social media.
In the video, Maduwa is seen confronting the two parking marshals before allegedly grabbing and slapping them during the heated exchange.
The incident sparked widespread debate on social media, with members of the public weighing in on the conduct of both Maduwa and the parking marshals.
Following the confrontation, Maduwa initially indicated that the matter had been resolved amicably at the scene.
In a statement issued after the incident, he claimed that three TTI supervisors had intervened and apologised for what he described as the arrogant conduct of their employees.
He also offered to conduct free public relations training sessions for TTI employees.
However, the matter took a different turn after the two parking marshals allegedly lodged a criminal complaint with the police.
Police subsequently arrested Maduwa on August 22, resulting in his appearance before the Bulawayo Magistrates Court on Monday.
