FIVE Zanu PF activists appeared at the Kwekwe Magistrates Court last Friday facing charges of disrupting their party’s interdistrict meeting after they were denied entry into the venue. BY BLESSED MHLANGA
Jairos Mawachi (44), Tongai Chikugwe, Sabastian Makhohliso (37), Gilbert Matemhe (36) and Sherpard Mazambani (33) denied the charge when they appeared before magistrate Taurai Manwere.
Prosecutors say the ruling party supporters caused commotion at the Zanu PF district offices last Tuesday after they were barred from attending the meeting organised by provincial spokesperson Conelious Mupereri.
Prosecutor Fotunate Mbizvo said the suspects together with their alleged accomplices, still at large, armed themselves with machetes, stones and empty bottles and indiscriminately attacked those in attendance, forcing the meeting to be aborted.
Chikugwe allegedly drove his Mitsubishi Canter truck through a locked gate, breaking it in the process and injuring two youthsmanning the gate.
“Accused two (Chikugwe) used his car to push open the gate and in the process it fell down injuring David Murivha and Tapiwa Muganhu who were posted as security at the gate,” reads part of the State outline.
Former councillor Reason Nyamadzawo’s vehicle windscreen was allegedly stoned and shattered by Muzambani.
In their defence, the suspects told the court that they were being victimised for allegedly sympathising with Kwekwe Central MP Masango Matambanadzo.
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Matambanadzo was recently suspended from the party and faces a recall from Parliament.
Manwere granted the suspects $100 bail each and remanded the matter to April 7.
