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4 Zanu PF youths jailed for murder

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FOUR Kadoma-based Zanu PF youths were yesterday sentenced to a 15-year jail term each for killing an MDC-T supporter.

FOUR Kadoma-based Zanu PF youths were yesterday sentenced to a 15-year jail term each for killing an MDC-T supporter after accusing him of being a “political sell-out” shortly after the 2008 presidential run-off election. CHARLES LAITON

The four — Nobert Muzhinji, Thabani Mashonganyika, Sikhumbuzo Madhuveko and Mangisi Mutandavari — were convicted of murder by High Court judge Justice Felistus Chatukuta.

The court heard that on August 25 2008, the ruling party activists teamed up and fatally stabbed MDC-T supporter John Max at Chidhuri Buffalo Farm in Kadoma.

According to the State papers, the Zanu PF activists accused Max of having testified against them when they were charged with assault during the presidential run-off election.

During trial, Mutandavari told Justice Chatukuta that although he was a Zanu PF member, he did not participate in Max’s attack, but witnessed his co-accused Muzhingi and Mashonganyika attacking him.

In his evidence, Madhuveko implicated Muzhingi and Mashonganyika as the culprits behind the murder, but the duo denied any involvement in the matter.

Instead, they accused 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 was drinking beer with other patrons at a local bar when he was approached by the four men, who were also in the company of Lovemore Nyikadzino, Kadafi, Tinashe Makaurire and Paul Muzenda who are all still at large.

The gang took Max to a nearby bush where they forced him to lie down as they took turns to assault him using a switch accusing him of being a political sell-out.

The four were represented by lawyers Constance Mabhande, Bothwell Ndhlovu, Zanndeen Makorie and Taruberekera Madondo.