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Mr Mangoma

Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
Nine MDC-T members accused of assaulting suspended deputy treasurer-general Mr Elton Mangoma at the party’s headquarters in February have been acquitted. Francis Machimbidzofa (38), Enock Mukudu (31), Stefani Jahwi (36), Samson Nerwande (41), Rhino Mashaya, James Chidakwa, Denford Ndadziore (32), Shakespeare Mukoyi and Paul Gorekore (31) denied the assault charges before magistrate Mr Milton Serima.

They were cleared after the prosecution failed to prove its case.

Mr Serima cleared the group at the close of the State’s case: “Evidence from the witnesses had inconsistencies, of which evidence must flow like the proverbial scriptures.

There is no evidence provided by the State that proves that the accused persons committed an offence, hence there is no reason to place them on their defence, as such, they are discharged at the close of the State’s case.”

Their lawyer, Mr Douglas Mwonzora, made an application for discharge at the close of the State’s case, saying the courts should not be used to settle political scores.

“Definitely there were factional disputes within the MDC at the material times,” he said. “Those involved in the disputes must never be allowed to use criminal courts to settle their factional disputes and personal scores.

“It is also clear that the complainant is involved in a power struggle within the MDC. Those who support his opponents are the only ones who are being implicated in this case.”

Meanwhile, the trial of seven MDC-T activists accused of murdering police officer Inspector Petros Mutedza in Glen View three years ago resumed yesterday at the High Court.

Insp Mutedza was allegedly attacked by opposition party youths in Harare’s Glen View Area 3 Shopping Centre in May 2011.

Proceedings were adjourned to today after the prosecution sought a postponement to allow it get a video recording that the defence wants to submit as an exhibit.

The defence wants to prove that Last Maengahama was attending a church service at United Family International Church at the City Sports Centre when the death occurred.

Prosecutor Mr Edmore Nyazamba told Justice Chinembiri Bhunu that it was only fair for him to study the video first in preparation.

One of the suspects, Rebecca Mafikeni, died while in custody.

It was alleged that the group waylaid Mr Mangoma outside Harvest House, the party’s headquarters in Harare, and accused him of plotting to topple party leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai, after which they assaulted him.