Prosper Dembedza 

Herald Correspondent

A SUSPECTED bogus member of the Central Intelligence Organisation has appeared in court on allegations of assaulting a reveller at a local bar following an altercation over the girlfriend of the complainant’s friend.

Courage Zaranyika was charged with assault and possession of articles of criminal use when he appeared before Harare Magistrate Mrs Jacqueline Gara. The complainant in this case is only identified as Tapiwa.

It is the State’s case that on September 19, 2026, at The Don Bar, Warren Park D, Zaranyika had a misunderstanding with Tapiwa over his friend’s girlfriend.

Zaranyika punched Tapiwa in the face. It is alleged that Zaranyika also produced an air gun and pointed it at the complainant to instil fear in him.

Tapiwa tried to apologise, but Zaranyika became vicious. During the scuffle, Zaranyika allegedly fired a shot once in the air, and other revellers, including Vincent Makwara, heard the sound of the gunshot and came to Tapiwa’s rescue.

The court heard that Tapiwa proceeded to ZRP Warren Park and filed a report leading to Zaranyika’s arrest.

As a result of Zaranyika’s actions, Tapiwa sustained injuries and was referred to the hospital for medical attention and a medical affidavit.

In 2014, this publication carried a story in which Zaranyika was arrested for allegedly forging a fake Central Intelligence Organisation identity card that he used to enter various Government buildings.

In that case, he appeared before Harare Magistrate Ms Rekina Dzikiti.