Zimpapers Logo

Court Reporter
The trial of 13 MDC-T activists allegedly involved in some skirmishes linked to the intra-party differences in Chitungwiza was yesterday deferred to July 3 this year. This was the second time the trial failed to take off after the prosecution argued it was not yet ready. Those involved in the alleged violence over calls for leadership change in the party held positions of security officers, ward chairpersons and organising secretaries.

Yosuf Andireya (35) jointly appeared in court with Jacob Muvavi (46), Tarubereka Mashoko (35), Piniel Mutadzo (39), Davision Zibute (44), Chengetai Nyangando (45), Josphine Nyagapa (37), Rudo Masunda (39), Barnabas Chirimhanzi (40), Maidei Moyounotsva (39), Egen Kambewa (29), Stanford Chanakira (29) and Anna Daniel (63).

Kambewa and Chanakira appeared on a separate record, which was already tied to that of the other 11.
The 13 are on US$50 bail each and were not asked to plead to public violence charges when they appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Timeon Makunde.

Prosecutor Ms Tombikayise Nleya said that on April 12 and at around 3pm, the group gathered at house number 10657 Nehanda Road in Zengeza 4, Chitungwiza, to organise a memorial service for the late Modester Namane.

A police officer, Caston Matova, advised them to disperse but they refused after which the cop left and they were later involved in the fight in which stones were thrown at each other.