Seven CCC youths to stand trial for assaulting Deputy Mayor

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

SEVEN youths from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) are set to stand trial on May 22 for ganging up and assaulting the Deputy Mayor of Beitbridge, Councillor John Manatsa, whom they accused of sympathising with the party’s Interim Secretary General, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu.

The assault took place on March 6 when the Deputy Mayor along with other party members were attending a political meeting at the home of recalled Beitbridge West legislator, Mr Morgan Ncube.

The house in Dulivhadzimu suburb is also used by the opposition party as its office in the district.

Anthony Shoko (28), Winston Mugudo (25), Aaron Makumbe (24), Miller Kuwe (31), Decent Dube (35), Forget Chirenda (35), and Cosmas Chimonyo (23) are facing charges of assault and theft of cash R2500 and US$1 800, which they allegedly stole from the complainant during the fracas.

Beitbridge resident magistrate, Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba, on Monday further remanded the gang to the trial date.

During their initial appearance they were remanded out of custody on RTGS300 000 bail and ordered to report once at the nearest police station once a week and not to interfere with State’s witnesses, among other bail conditions.

Prosecuting, Mr Ronald Mugwagwa, said on March 6, the complainant was attending a CCC meeting at the party offices when the seven accused persons approached him.

He said Shoko told Councillor Manatsa to leave the house citing that he doesn’t belong to the Chamisa party but to the faction led by Mr Sengezo Tshabangu.

After that the accused persons lifted him from where he was seated and dragged him outside the house and assaulted him and threw him on the ground at the veranda.

The court heard that the gang also pulled him out of the yard and threw him on the road and he sustained some back injuries and a swollen left arm.

During the assault the accused person took away his shoes, a small bag containing R2500 and US$1800, cell phone.

They later threw out the items over the parameter wall after allegedly ransacking the bag and taking the money.

A report was then made to the police leading to the accused persons’ arrest a few days later after playing hide and seek with the police.

X @tupeyo