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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
MDC Renewal Team provincial youth leader Mr Believe Tevera yesterday described the Renewal Democrats of Zimbabwe interim president Mr Elton Steers Mangoma as “diabolic and decanic” for causing his prosecution.

Tevera (27) of Number 5426, 73rd Crescent Glen View 3, Harare, told the court in his defence that it was an act of malice for Mangoma to “drag” him to court for assault instead of being apologetic.

Through his lawyer Mr Tawanda Takaindisa, Tevera told the magistrate Mrs Tildah Mutambanashe: “I vehemently deny the assault allegation levelled against me by Mangoma. It was him who assaulted me,” he said.

“It is an act of malice for him to bring me to court when he had an affair with my wife. On the day in question I went to MDC Renewal offices with a petition which I wanted to give the leadership to probe Mangoma over the affair.

“The allegations show how diabolic and decanic Mangoma is. After destroying my happy marriage, he is dragging me to court instead of doing the noble thing of apologising.”

He added that Mangoma pushed him and uttered unprintable words before other people joined in, assaulting him.

“I reported the matter to the police first but because the police are somehow polarised it is surprising why Mangoma was never brought to court,” he said.

“The allegations are calculated to cover Mangoma’s dirty linen.” Prosecutor Ms Dora Moyo called Mangoma as the first witness. Giving his evidence, Mangoma said Tevera failed to substantiate that he had an affair with his wife at the Harare Civil Court, resulting in a peace order application being thrown away.

“I have nothing to hide. I am peace loving and I don’t get involved in fights. The accused is trying to tarnish my image because of political fights,” he said.

Trial continues on July 3.

Ms Moyo alleged that on May 26 around 11am, Tevera went to number 21 Midlothian Drive, Eastlea in Harare where Mangoma was holding a meeting.

Mangoma was in the company of Solomon Madzore, Shakespeare Maya, Lucia Matibenga and Last Maingehama.

It is alleged that Tevera charged into the meeting accusing Mangoma of having an affair with his wife Yemurai Maravanyika.Tevera allegedly slapped Mangoma twice and he fell down, hitting his head against the window. While Mangoma was down Tevera allegedly picked a chair with the intention of striking him but was restrained by Maya.

Mangoma sustained head injuries and bled profusely. He was rushed to hospital and received six stitches on the head.