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Simbarashe Mudzivo Court reporter
Three family members yesterday appeared before a Mbare magistrate for allegedly beating a tenant following a row over a US$160 Zesa debt relief amount which was extended to domestic consumers and farmers by the power utility last month.
The landlord, Wilson Marimahoko (60), his wife Nyaradzo (49) and daughter Nancy (37) were jointly charged for assaulting Winnet Madakudya for refusing to pay the amount which was credited to the household.
Zesa Holdings slashed debts for domestic consumers and farmers last month in an effort to bring some relief to its clients who were saddled with huge electricity debts.
The court heard that on September 3 at around 7pm, Winnet Madakudya of number 8146 9th Circle in Glen View 8 allegedly refused to pay the electricity bills arguing that the benefit also extended to tenants.
This did not go down well with Marimahoko resulting in a heated argument with the tenant.
The trio allegedly punched and hit her an iron bar.
Madakudya fell to the ground and sustained a fractured right lower limb and bruises on her face.
Marimahoko is also accused of stealing US$1 800 from the tenant’s bedroom during the altercation.
Madakudya was refusing to pay the electricity bill arguing that Zesa had slashed bills for all households with a $160 debt relief amount.
The matter was reported at Southerton Police station resulting in the arrest of the landlord and two family members.
Madakudya was later taken to Harare Central Hospital.
Magistrate Stanford Mambanje remanded the trio to November 4.
Online Reporter