Two MDC-T councillors testified against their senator and six other party activists who were jointly charged with public violence after they allegedly assaulted them at their party offices following a fallout in June this year.
The two — Pamela Mutare and Morgan Chipara — took to the witness stand on Wednesday at the beginning of the State case and the third State witness, Mutare acting mayor George Jerison, is set to give his testimony today.
The seven are MDC-T Manicaland provincial Women’s Assembly chairperson and Mutare Senator Keresenzia Chabuka, Taurai Saradinyo (37), Doreen Nyaya (33), Godwin Sithole (35), Tsitsi Ziweya (38), Farai Aritura (31) and Washington Mandebvu (36).
Charges against the seven are that on June 8 at their party provincial office, they allegedly assaulted the two councillors following an altercation during a closed-door meeting.
It is alleged that MDC-T Manicaland provincial chairperson Julius Magarangoma, during the meeting, reportedly fingered under-performing councillors and MPs.
In the heat of the moment, Mutare then stood up to challenge Magarangoma saying he had no right to interfere with council business.
In her testimony, Mutare said she was attacked by the seven after challenging Magarangoma. Chipara said he was shocked by the attack and added that Chabuka threatened to stab him during the scuffle. He added that he too was injured during the attack.
However, defence lawyer Trust Maanda told the court that the two overdramatised their case and his clients would ask for acquittal at the close of the State case.
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He challenged the authenticity of the medical reports produced by the State and objected to their production saying they were forged.
Maanda also said the two had sought to disrupt the meeting because they were not invited and that they did not even know the agenda of the meeting.
He further alleged that after their failed plot to disrupt the meeting, which was aimed at criticising corruption by MDC-T members and backbiting allegations that led to the suspension of Mutare mayor Brian James, the two exaggerated the assault case.
Charles Murowe presided over the case, while Lloyd Kurewhatira prosecuted.
