Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku
PARTSON Maseko, the man who became an internet sensation after he was filmed hacksawing his way out of a parking clamp and slapping a TTI marshal, is now a free man, at least for now!
Maseko, who was dragged to the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Court on allegations of stealing a US$250 clamp belonging to Tendy Three Investments (TTI), breathed a massive sigh of relief after the state withdrew the theft charges due to lack of evidence before plea on Wednesday morning.
Magistrate Maxwell Ncube heard the case and Maseko flanked by his lawyer Thulani Ndhlovu , was cool as ever despite the storm of public scrutiny swirling around him.
Prosecutor Nkanyezi Xaba laid out the fiery allegations: On January 28, just after 10 PM, Maseko’s vehicle was clamped at the corner of 11th Avenue and George Silundika Street for allegedly parking in a restricted zone. Instead of paying the fine like most citizens, it’s alleged he used an “unknown object” to break the clamp and made off with it, hardware and all.
The clamp, valued at US$250, mysteriously vanished.
Maseko was captured on camera going full action movie mode, assaulting a TTI marshal and sawing through the clamp on his vehicle.
The footage, which was shared across social media faster than unpaid fines pile up, showed Maseko slapping the TTI officer, who maintained Zen-like composure throughout the ordeal. The marshal’s refusal to retaliate sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising his professionalism, and others calling for “real men” to clamp back.
Despite the drama, the legal case didn’t last long.
On Thursday, TTI made a surprise U-turn, withdrawing the charges without giving a public explanation.
Whispers from the corridors of the courthouse suggest pressure from higher offices, or perhaps a PR disaster in the making, may have prompted the retreat.
Maseko’s lawyer was tight-lipped, only telling B-Metro:
“My client maintains his innocence and is relieved this matter is behind him.”
Social media has exploded with reactions. Some users hailed Maseko as a “people’s champion” fighting back against what they see as “TTI harassment.” Others called him reckless, saying vandalism and assault are no way to challenge city policies.
City of Bulawayo officials have remained mum on whether further charges, particularly for the assault captured on video, will be pursued.
While Maseko may have dodged this legal bullet, the saga has put TTI’s controversial clamp enforcement system back under the spotlight.
Residents continue to vent about alleged unfair clamping, hefty release fees, and the feeling that enforcement is more about profit than order.
