A ZIMBABWE Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) intelligence officer and Midlands National Youth Service commander, Isheunesu Benjamin Marima, is expected in court today alongside six Zanu PF activists on charges of kidnapping and assault linked to an alleged “rank affiliation fee”
dispute.
The suspects allegedly abducted and assaulted a Gokwe man during proceedings linked to a Constitutional Amendment No 3 Bill public hearing at Gokwe Community Hall.
Marima is being jointly charged with Alfred Rudende (43), Willard Like (35), Philimon Makumbe (52), Farai Chakaita (45), Saul Machina (49) and Thabani Nsingo (44). They are being represented by Solomon Kangembeu, with Gokwe regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje presiding.
The State alleges that on March 30, the accused and their accomplices, who are still at large, approached Calisto Muzofa (34) at Gokwe bus terminus and demanded a Zanu PF-linked “rank affiliation fee” to allow him to operate as a tout.
Muzofa reportedly said he was not a party member, which allegedly triggered the attack.
Keep Reading
- Wadyajena’s super cars towed
- Too young to marry: The secret world of child brides
- Afrophobia: Can some in ANC stand up
- Chief sucked in woman disappearance case
It is alleged that Marima seized Muzofa’s cellphone and smashed it with a pistol, damaging its LCD screen. The group then allegedly forced him into a Toyota GD6 vehicle and drove to a nearby forest, where they assaulted him repeatedly with logs, leaving him injured.
Muzofa reported the matter to the police and was referred to Gokwe South General Hospital for medical examination. A medical report will be used as evidence in court.
The State says the damaged phone is valued at US$120 and was not recovered.
Marima was arrested on April 1 at Somabhula business centre in Gweru. Police reportedly recovered a Toyota GD6 double cab and handcuffs allegedly used in the crime. He was transferred to ZRP Gokwe.
His co-accused were arrested the same day at Gokwe town centre.
Police also recovered logs allegedly used in the assault. A rifle believed to have been used has not yet been recovered; investigations are ongoing to trace it from an individual identified as Nkosana, reportedly a driver linked to Zanu PF in Gweru.