![](https://cdn.thestandard.co.zw/newsday/uploads/2014/08/MDC-T-legislator-for-Mabvuku-James-Maridadi-before-he-was-arrested-for-inciting-the-youths-to-demonstrate-001.jpg)
Mabvuku/Tafara MP James Maridadi (MDC-T) yesterday defended his alleged theft of a National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) passenger ticket book, arguing he had reasonable suspicion that Zivanai Muzokomba, an NRZ employee, was illegally collecting parking fees from motorists.
By PAIDAMOYO MUZULU Maridadi is being charged with unauthorised borrowing or use of property following his alleged seizure of the ticket book after refusing to pay parking fees. His trial commenced yesterday at the Harare Magistrates’ Court before magistrate Takundwa Mtetwa.
![MDC-T legislator for Mabvuku James Maridadi before he was arrested for inciting the youths to demonstrate.](https://newsday.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MDC-T-legislator-for-Mabvuku-James-Maridadi-before-he-was-arrested-for-inciting-the-youths-to-demonstrate-001.jpg)
The legislator, through his lawyer, Auxilia Mangwaira, pleaded not guilty to the charges, arguing he suspected Muzokomba of cheating the NRZ by illegally collecting the parking fees, adding the collection of parking fees by the NRZ was in breach of Harare City Council by-laws.
For the State, prosecutor Stylon Marufu called NRZ commercial assistant Amos Tembo to give testimony and he told the court he gave Muzokomba, an NRZ parking marshal, the ticket book in question to do his duties.
“I gave the book to Muzokomba to use for receipting parking fees for those who park their cars at the NRZ premises when they have no business to conduct with the company,” Tembo said.
“The ticket book comes in triplicate and each ticket is clearly marked, ‘passenger’, with an option for ‘adult’/‘child’ and journey.”
Tembo further told the court that he learnt from Muzokomba at the end of the day when the latter did not return with the book that it had been forcibly taken away by a motorist.
The State alleges on October 9 this year at NRZ, Kenneth Kaunda Avenue, Maridadi unlawfully took possession or control of an NRZ ticket book valued at $2,50 from Muzokomba without his consent after refusing to pay a parking fee.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Maridadi is alleged to have grabbed the book and drove away along Kenneth Kaunda Avenue towards the eastern direction and the matter was reported to the police, leading to his arrest.
The trial continues tomorrow with Tembo being cross-examined by Maridadi’s lawyer.