FOUR Zanu PF activists have been charged with murder for allegedly killing an opposition party supporter accusing him of being a “political sell-out” after the 2008 presidential election run-off.
REPORT BY CHARLES LAITON
Nobert Muzhingi, Thabani Mashonganyika, Sikhumbuzo Madhuveko and Mangisi Mutandavari allegedly murdered John Max on August 25, 2008 at Chidhuri Buffalo in Kadoma, two months after the polls.
According to State papers, the activists accused Max of having testified against them when they were charged with assault during the presidential election run-off.
Yesterday, Mutandavari told High Court judge Justice Felistus Chatukuta that although he was a Zanu PF member, he did not attack Max, but witnessed his co-accused Muzhingi and Mashonganyika assaulting the deceased.
He said he also saw Madhuveko standing within the crowd that had gathered at the shops where Max was being assaulted.
Under cross-examination by prosecutor Charles Manhiri, Mutandavari told the court that he was not aware how he got implicated in the matter.
“I do not know how my name was mentioned as an accomplice, but these boys (Muzhingi and Mashonganyika) involved politics in whatever they were doing and sometimes I would also participate in political meetings,” Mutandavari said.
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In his evidence in chief, Madhuveko said Muzhingi and Mashonganyika were the culprits in the matter, but the duo denied any involvement in the murder, accusing one Stabiliser Kadafi also known as “Chuck Norris” as being the one who savagely attacked Max.
Kadafi is still on the run.
The court heard that on the day in question, Max left home for a beer drink at a local bar where he was approached by the five who were in the company of Lovemore Nyikadzino, Tinashe Makaurire and Paul Muzenda who are still at large as well.
The gang allegedly took Max to a nearby bush where they forced him to lie down as they took turns to assault him, accusing the now deceased of being a sell-out. Justice Chatukuta postponed the matter to March 18 for oral submissions after the defence closed its case.
The four are represented by Constance Mabhande, Bothwell Ndhlovu, Zanndeen Makorie and Taruberekera Madondo.
