THE trial of the two Zanu PF activists David Chimukoko and Graciano Kazingizi accused of murdering MDC-T Mudzi Ward 1 chairperson Cephas Magura two years ago started at the High Court yesterday before Justice Joseph Musakwa.
CHARLES LAITON
The two men pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecutor-General (PG)’s representative Benson Taruvinga told the court that on May 25, 2012, Magura was at Chimukoko Business Centre attending a rally organised by the MDC-T party when all of a sudden, all hell broke loose.
According to the State, Chimukoko and Kazingizi, who were attending a Zanu PF gathering at Chimukoko Community Hall, mobilised other supporters and went on a rampage attacking the MDC-T supporters.
It is alleged on the day in question, the two antagonistic parties had been holding their party meetings at a distance of about 50 metres apart when Chimukoko and Kazingizi, together with others, decided to attack their rivals.
While attending the Zanu PF meeting, the two were in the company of about 500 Zanu supporters gathered at Chimukoko Community Hall holding an agricultural day show meeting.
The State alleges that Chimukoko and Kazingizi advanced towards the MDC-T rally armed with logs and stones intending to disrupt the meeting. Sensing danger, the now deceased Magura, together with other MCD-T supporters started running away from the scene and as they took to their heels, Chimukoko threw a stone which struck Magura’s head resulting in him falling to the ground.
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At that juncture, Chimukoko and Kazingizi allegedly caught up with Magura who was now lying wounded on the ground and assaulted him all over with booted feet, logs and fists.
The State alleges Magura succumbed to the injuries he had sustained and died on the spot.
A post-mortem was later conducted and the doctors established that the cause of death was severe head injury due to brain oedema as a result of assault.
The matter was reported to police and investigations led to the arrest of the duo. Trial continues today.
