Seven CCC youths’ violence case set for defence

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The seven Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) youths who are being accused of assaulting and stealing from the Deputy Mayor of Beitbridge, Councillor John Manatsa, will return to the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.The seven are Anthony Shoko (28), Winston Mugudo (25), Aaron Makumbe (24), Miller Kuwe (31), Decent Dube (35), Forget Chirenda (35), and Cosmas Chimonyo (23).

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

The house is also used by the opposition party as its district office.
Beitbridge resident magistrate, Mr Takudzwa Gwazemba is presiding over the matter.

Prosecution, led by Mr Ronald Mugwagwa, closed its State case on Monday.

During their initial appearance, the seven were remanded out of custody on ZWL300 000 bail.

Allegations are that on March 6, the complainant was attending a CCC meeting at the party offices when the seven accused persons approached him.
Shoko told Councillor Manatsa to leave the house, accusing him of sympathising with the party’s interim Secretary General, Senator Sengezo Tshabungu.

The accused persons then dragged Councillor Manatsa from the house while assaulting him. They threw him on the veranda.

Further allegations are that Shoko and his accomplices also dragged the Councillor out of the yard and he sustained some back injuries and a swollen left arm.

During the assault, the accused persons allegedly took the councillor’s shoes, a small bag containing R2500, US$1800 and a cell phone.

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

The matter was reported to the police, leading to the accused persons’ arrest a few days later.