MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-Provincial Magistrate, Tendai Killian Mahwe this morning denied bail to CCC’s losing candidate for Chirumhanzu South Constituency, Patrick Cheza (50) and four other activists.
The magistrate said the five, if granted bail will abscond, hence should remain in prison.
However, soon after the judgement pronouncement, the defense counsel led by Leopold Mudisi and Esau Mandipa applied for Mkoba North MP Amos Chibaya to take up the witness stand.
During the cross examination Chibaya told the court that he “saw Rwodzi dancing during the swearing in-ceremony at the 10th parliament session in Harare, indicating that she was fit and jovial without showing any signs of injury”.
Magistrate Mahwe, however dismissed the application saying there are no changed circumstances as the court can not rely on Chibaya statements without medical proof to show that Rwodzi is fit.
The five are accused of assaulting the controversial newly appointed Tourism Minister, Barbara Rwodzi who is also Chirumanzu South legislator.
Cheza, was charged with inciting public violence alongside Elias Maduveko (26), Magmaster Chidyawuye (21), Delight Zinyemba (22) and Courage Mugova (20).
He is accused of inciting CCC members to beat Rwodzi, after his car was allegedly involved in a car accident with the Minister’s vehicle.
Prosecuting, Tongai Bongani Mavuto told the Court that on August 24 along the Charandura-Chaka dust road, George Rwodzi, son to the MP-elect was involved in an accident with Cheza’s car which was being driven by John Bata.
George and Bata phoned Rwodzi and Cheza respectively following the accident.
After arriving at the scene, Cheza allegedly charged at Rwodzi and accused her of trying to kill members of his campaign team.
The other four accused who wielded iron bars and other weapons allegedly charged at Rwodzi.
Chidyawuye, who was allegedly armed with an AK 47, produced a knife and deflated the tyre of an Isuzu pick up before they assaulted Rwodzi.
The court heard that the four stopped the violence after Rwodzi’s aide fired a warning shot into the air.
The accused persons were later arrested at Charandura after being identified by one Gladys Chivige, who was with Rwodzi at the accident scene.
