THE trial of MDC-T councillor for Insiza, Nivas Dube, over allegations of undermining police authority was on Wednesday further postponed after State witnesses failed to turn up in court.
Report by Silas Nkala
Dube (37), who is represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights lawyer Lizwe Jamela, has since denied the charge although the State maintains it wants him tried over the allegations.
On Wednesday, Dube appeared before magistrate Victor Mpofu during a circuit court in Mbembesi, but the trial failed to kick off as the State witnesses — whose names were not given in court papers — failed to turn up.
The court heard that on February 23 last year, a police officer, Tapiwa Mugabe, based at Fort Rixon Police Base, went to Jabulani Hall in Shangani Mine after receiving a report that villagers had clashed over maize distribution under the Grain Marketing Board (GMB)’s grain loan scheme.
It is alleged the conflict started after Dube allegedly tried to take over the distribution of the maize from the GMB depot manager. When Mugabe tried to restore order, Dube allegedly grabbed him by the collar and ordered him to leave the place.
Dube is alleged to have accused the police of being sympathetic to Zanu PF.
Mugabe later allegedly convinced Dube to accompany him to the police base to resolve the dispute.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
On arrival, Dube was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer, a charge which was later changed to undermining the authority of the police.
In his defence through his lawyer, Dube denied the allegations, saying instead it was him who had been assaulted by Mugabe and the charges were meant to protect the police officer.
