CHINHOYI — Businessman-cum-politician Temba Peter Mliswa (41) and his seven co-accused charged with public violence were yesterday remanded in custody to March 4 for trial.
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The eight appeared at the Chinhoyi Magistrates’ Court after they allegedly assaulted MP for Hurungwe East (Zanu PF) Sarah Mahoka and her driver using bricks, fists and feet before deflating two wheels of the legislator’s vehicle.
Mliswa’s co-accused are Goodwell Zinyama (49), Simbarashe Mamina (30), Christopher Munakira (35), Munyaradzi Mutami (33), Judge Makwava (34), January Mapfundematsva (37) and Matilda Makwanya (33).
Prosecutor Babra Mabika told the court that on February 22 this year at Zimonja business centre, Zvipani, Hurungwe West, the accused persons acting in connivance with six others still at large, attacked and injured Mahoka, who is also Zanu PF Women’s League provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West, and her entourage.
In their bail application, Mliswa’s lawyers Musindo Hungwe and Ray Tsvakwi and Mike Mutsvairo, representing the other seven, submitted that the accused did not have pending cases of similar nature.
They also said Mliswa had an alibi in that he was not physically present when the violence occurred. The State opposed bail, arguing that the accused were facing serious charges which were of a political nature besides being “a flight risk”. Magistrate Felix Mawadza presided over the case.
