CHINHOYI — The trial of businessman-cum-politician Temba Peter Mliswa (41) and his nine alleged accomplices in a public violence case where they are being charged with assaulting Zanu PF Hurungwe East MP Sarah Mahoka was yesterday deferred to June 19.
Report by Own Correspondent
Mliswa’s lawyer Mike Mutsvairo told NewsDay the matter had been postponed owing to the unavailability of trial prosecutor Herald Matura who is on leave.
Four State witnesses have so far testified in the politically-charged hearings which have seen Mahoka, the first complainant, take to the witness stand.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial legal affairs secretary Tapera Machingaifa, who was in the company of Mahoka when the alleged violent incident occurred, also gave evidence.
Mahoka’s driver Kudakwashe Muzunga told the court he was beaten up by a group of people after they arrived at the business centre on the day in question although his version materially differed from the one given by Machingaifa and the MP in court.
Magistrate Sam Chitumwa heard the MP had lied under oath that Mliswa’s 10 co-accused had threatened her with death.
In her testimony, Mahoka said one of the accused persons had shouted that he had been sent by Mliswa and Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo to assassinate and decapitate her.
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Another State witness Lancelot Koronga claimed Mliswa had “declared war” on his political opponents who dared venture into Hurungwe West constituency where he is eyeing a legislative seat.
Allegations against the 10 are that on February 22 this year at Zimonja business centre, Zvipani, Hurungwe West, they connived and attacked the trio, injuring them. Mahoka claims she sustained a broken leg after being struck with a brick and lost $1 223, an iPhone valued at $800, a digital camera, a Zanu PF beret and identity documents in the melee.
Mliswa and his co-accused have pleaded not guilty arguing the charges were trumped up.
Mliswa is jointly charged with Goodwell Zinyama (49), Simbarashe Mamina (30), Christopher Munakira (35), Munyaradzi Mutami (33), Judge Makwava (34), January Mapfundematsva (37); Matilda Makwanya (33), Munyaradzi Gawa and Livingstone Muwandu (ages not given).
