Harare, Zimbabwe – Lloyd Gweshe, a karate practitioner and personal bodyguard for sungura music star Alick Macheso, is scheduled to appear in court this Friday facing charges of grievous bodily harm following an alleged assault on veteran journalist Richard Muponde. The incident has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s media and entertainment circles, highlighting tensions between public figures and those tasked with their protection.
According to reports, the alleged attack occurred on August 7 at a bar in Granary Park, where Muponde, a senior politics reporter with The Herald, was socialising. Witnesses described the incident as sudden and unprovoked, claiming that Macheso’s Bodyguard struck Muponde with a knuckle-duster while both men were drinking. The assault reportedly left Muponde unconscious and with severe injuries to his head and face. Disturbingly, the journalist lost three teeth during the attack.
Despite the gravity of the assault, Gweshe was not immediately taken into police custody. Muponde subsequently filed a formal complaint at Marimba Police Station, setting in motion an investigation that culminated in Macheso’s Bodyguard recording his statement earlier this week. The completion of this process cleared the way for his imminent court appearance.
Witness statements have played a critical role in shaping the investigation. Several patrons present during the incident corroborated Muponde’s account of a sudden, violent attack, providing detailed descriptions of the events leading up to and during the assault. Their testimonies are expected to feature prominently in court proceedings.
Macheso’s Bodyguard, however, maintains that he acted in self-defence. According to his account, Muponde allegedly initiated the confrontation, prompting him to respond to protect himself. Macheso’s Bodyguard has also indicated his intention to file a counter-charge of assault against the journalist, a move that could complicate the legal proceedings and raise questions about the sequence of events.
Macheso’s Bodyguard to Face Court Over Assault on Veteran Journalist
Initial attempts to resolve the matter outside the formal legal system briefly gained traction. Discussions between the two parties explored compensation as a potential path to avoid litigation. However, negotiations ultimately broke down amid disagreements over the amount and conditions of repayment, leaving the dispute unresolved.
The high-profile nature of those involved has attracted significant public and media attention. Gweshe is widely recognised not only for his martial arts background but also for his association with Macheso, one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated sungura musicians. Muponde, meanwhile, is a respected figure in journalism, known for his incisive political reporting and decades-long service at The Herald. The clash between a prominent journalist and a celebrity bodyguard has sparked intense debate about the responsibilities of public figures and their entourages, as well as the limits of personal conduct in social settings.
Legal analysts note that the case raises complex questions about self-defence, the use of weapons, and the proportionality of responses in confrontations. If Macheso’s Bodyguard’s self-defence claim is challenged successfully, he could face serious penalties under Zimbabwean law, including imprisonment for grievous bodily harm. Conversely, his counter-claim may introduce additional layers of complexity, potentially resulting in a protracted legal battle.
Colleagues within the journalism community have expressed deep concern over the attack, framing it as part of a broader discourse on the safety of reporters and public figures in Zimbabwe. “Violence against journalists, especially those performing their duties or engaging in social life, should never be tolerated,” said one media professional who wished to remain anonymous. “This case underscores the need for clear legal protections and accountability for everyone, regardless of status or association.”
As the court date approaches, attention will focus on the testimonies of witnesses, the credibility of self-defence claims, and the forensic evidence surrounding the assault. The outcome of the trial is expected to set a precedent for how similar cases involving high-profile individuals and their security personnel are handled in Zimbabwe.
For now, both parties prepare for a legal showdown in the courts, with Macheso’s Bodyguard’s defence team emphasising his martial arts training and Muponde’s supporters highlighting the severity of his injuries. Beyond the courtroom, the incident has sparked wider reflection on the boundaries of personal conduct, the accountability of celebrity entourages, and the importance of protecting journalists from harm.
The case serves as a sobering reminder that even routine social interactions can escalate into serious criminal matters, and that public figures and their associates must navigate both legal and ethical responsibilities carefully.
Source- Bulawayo24
