Seven opposition CCC youths were arrested for assaulting Deputy Mayor Councillor John Manatsa. They accused him of sympathizing with the party’s disputed interim secretary general, Sengezo Tshabangu.
The Herald reported that the assault occurred during a political meeting at the home of recalled Beitbridge West legislator Morgan Ncube, where the deputy mayor was present. The house serves as the opposition party’s district office.
Anthony Shoko (28), Winston Mugudo (25), Aaron Makumbe (24), Miller Kuwe (31), Decent Dube (35), Forget Chirenda (35), and Cosmas Chimonyo (23) have been charged with assault and theft of R2 500 and US$1 800 from the complainant during the assault.
The suspects were released on $300 000 bail pending trial when they appeared before Beitbridge resident magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba on Monday.
They were ordered to report to the nearest police station once a week and not to interfere with State witnesses among other bail conditions.
Representing the State, Ronald Mugwagwa alleged that on March 6, the complainant was attending a CCC meeting at the party offices when the seven accused persons approached him.
Shoko allegedly instructed Councillor Manatsa to exit the house, asserting that he aligns with the faction led by Tshabangu rather than the one led by former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
Subsequently, the suspects forcibly lifted Manatsa from his seat, dragged him outside the house, and subjected him to physical assault, throwing him to the ground.
According to court testimony, the accused forcibly removed the complainant from the yard, and threw him onto the road, resulting in back injuries and a swollen left arm.
While assaulting him, the accused individuals reportedly confiscated his shoes, a small bag containing R2 500, US$1 800, and a cell phone.
They then discarded the items over the perimeter wall, having allegedly rummaged through the bag and taken the money.
A report was filed with the police, resulting in the subsequent arrest of the accused individuals a few days later.
