Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-Hordes of opposition figures including Masvingo Urban MP Advocate Martin Mureri thronged the Magistrate Court in solidarity with a vendor who allegedly lifted her skirt as her wares were being confiscated by the police on Tuesday in the CBD.
The homeless vendor, Gladys Madhlakame (41), whose video has gone viral was represented by prominent human rights lawyer and former Mayor Advocate Collin Maboke.
Madhlakame was arrested on allegations of indecent exposure following a confrontation with police officers was released today after her case failed to proceed at the Masvingo Magistrates Court due to ‘incomplete documentation’.
Madhlakame appeared in court facing charges of indecent exposure, which were preferred after she was initially arrested for illegal vending at Simrac Supermarket on Tuesday.
The court was informed that investigations were still ongoing and that the necessary papers were yet to be finalised.
As a result, she was released with proceedings set to continue at a later date.
According to the State, Madhlakame was first detained by police officers enforcing by-laws against illegal vending. The charges were later altered to indecent exposure after video footage allegedly showed her attempting to remove her skirt as a police officer was wrestling to take away her wares.
Outside court, MP Mureri, Senator Maggie Chakabuda and MP Tendeukai Matara pledged to assist Madhlakame with temporary accommodation.
Madhlakame has reportedly been living in the open at Croco Motors in Masvingo Urban with her three year old son.
Speaking after her release, she expressed gratitude for the support she has received from the public and celebrities.
“I want to thank the community of Masvingo for standing with me during these hard times. I also want to thank those who are helping me. I am now staying at Mucheke Rank where people have agreed to pay rent for me,” she said.
She further told The Midweek Watch that the police officer first took the tomatoes from her son, without showing any remorse they went on to take the bucket full of tomatoes from her, that’s when she started wrestling with the cop because she was angered with his conduct.
The court proceedings were attended by several legislators and community members.
Opposition members were also present in solidarity. Among them was Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Calvin Muvheyi.
The matter is expected to return to court once investigations are complete and documentation has been finalised.
