Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
A City Bus marshal and bouncer caught on camera assaulting a parking marshal is fighting back in court — with his lawyer questioning key evidence!
Sam Scottfield Matanda (48), from Bellevue suburb, appeared before Bulawayo provincial magistrate Themba Chimiso facing an assault charge.
Matanda, who also works as a bouncer for City Bus, pleaded not guilty, claiming the complainant, Michael Ntini (33), had threatened to assault him.
But drama unfolded in court when the State tried to submit a medical report as evidence.
Matanda’s lawyer quickly objected!
“I doubt the authenticity of this medical report. I want a doctor to come and testify,” the lawyer told the court.
The State, led by prosecutor Samuel Mpofu, conceded — and said a doctor will be called to testify.
The court heard that the incident, which went viral on social media, happened on 18 March shortly after 10AM at the corner of Leopold Takawira Avenue and Fife Street, opposite Bulawayo Central Police Station.
According to the State, Ntini had just disembarked from a car when Matanda allegedly confronted him.
“Matanda grabbed him by the collar, slapped him several times in the face, dragged and pushed him, accusing him of clamping his bus,” said prosecutor Mpofu.
A State witness backed this up, telling the court:
“I was with the complainant when we arrived. Matanda shouted at us while charging forward. He grabbed Ntini by the collar, slapped him and dragged him.”
Despite the serious charge, Matanda was granted bail of US$200.
As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered not to interfere with State witnesses. He was also instructed to reside at the address he provided to the court.
The complainant is said to have sought medical attention following the incident, with the medical report expected to be formally presented once a doctor testifies.
The case has been postponed to 10 April for continuation of trial.
