Zimpapers Logo

Elton Mangoma

Harare – The Harare magistrates court on Wednesday ordered the release, on $100 bail each, of the four MDC-T youths accused of assaulting party deputy national treasurer Elton Mangoma last month.

Mangoma was beaten up as he emerged from a heated meeting at the MDC-T head offices which had been convened to discuss his call for leadership renewal.

Mangoma had written to MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai suggesting that he steps down since he had lost in three successive elections.

Francis Machimbidzofa (38), Enock Mukudu (31), Stefani Jahwi (36) and Samson Nerwande (41) are being charged with assault.

Nerwande was ordered to pay an additional $100 for another case of public violence for allegedly assaulting Angirayi Moyo who he accused of supporting Mangoma in trying to oust Tsvangirai.

Magistrate Tendai Mahwe ruled the four were suitable candidates for bail since the state’s case was weak.

“It is common cause that accused persons have fixed aboard and are not likely to abscond since upon learning that police were looking for them surrendered themselves.

“There is also no link between the accused persons and the video footage produced. Bail is therefore granted,” he said.

Mahwe ordered accused persons to deposit $100 each, not to interfere with State witnesses and investigations, to reside at the addresses given and report once a week every Friday at the nearest police station.

Meanwhile Nerwande who is facing another charge of public violence was also granted another $100 bail.

The matter was remanded to March 19 when trial is expected to start.

New Ziana