Entertainment / Celebrity
Nicholas Zakaria denies assaulting a cop
06 Feb 2013 at 14:36hrs | Views
Musician Nicholas Zakaria, who is facing a $5 000 lawsuit for allegedly assaulting Detective Inspector Lawrence Machingura, has refused to pay saying he did not commit the offence.
Affectionately known by his fans as the Senior Lecturer, Zakaria is being sued for allegedly slapping Machingura in the face on November 5 after the latter, who was not in police uniform, intervened to restore order following a brawl in the crowd during a musical show.
Zakaria's lawyer Maxwell Mavhunga said his client had not committed the offence and had since challenged the admission of guilt fine which he paid at Mbizo Police Station on the night of November 5 2012, arguing he was forced to pay the fine by the police.
"My client only paid the fine after police threatened to detain him over the weekend, which meant he would miss his shows and would endure harsh conditions in police holding cells.
"He only paid the fine to save his skin," said Mavhunga.
"In the next two weeks, my client could be appearing before the courts to answer charges of assault after we got his fine ticket cancelled.
"Statements have already been recorded from witnesses and we will proceed once the State is ready," said Mavhunga.
James Magodora, who is representing Machingura, said his client was embarrassed following the assault and all he needed was compensation.
"Zakaira assaulted my client and he paid an admission of guilt fine. There are witnesses who were at the scene and they will be called to testify," said Magodora.
Machingura claims $3 000 is to atone for the pain and suffering caused by the assault and $2 000 for the humiliation he suffered.
"As a result of the unlawful conduct, the plaintiff sustained some injury, pain and suffering. He is an assistant inspector with the CID and its spokesperson and is well known by the public. He was humiliated and degraded by being assaulted in public."
Affectionately known by his fans as the Senior Lecturer, Zakaria is being sued for allegedly slapping Machingura in the face on November 5 after the latter, who was not in police uniform, intervened to restore order following a brawl in the crowd during a musical show.
Zakaria's lawyer Maxwell Mavhunga said his client had not committed the offence and had since challenged the admission of guilt fine which he paid at Mbizo Police Station on the night of November 5 2012, arguing he was forced to pay the fine by the police.
"My client only paid the fine after police threatened to detain him over the weekend, which meant he would miss his shows and would endure harsh conditions in police holding cells.
"He only paid the fine to save his skin," said Mavhunga.
"Statements have already been recorded from witnesses and we will proceed once the State is ready," said Mavhunga.
James Magodora, who is representing Machingura, said his client was embarrassed following the assault and all he needed was compensation.
"Zakaira assaulted my client and he paid an admission of guilt fine. There are witnesses who were at the scene and they will be called to testify," said Magodora.
Machingura claims $3 000 is to atone for the pain and suffering caused by the assault and $2 000 for the humiliation he suffered.
"As a result of the unlawful conduct, the plaintiff sustained some injury, pain and suffering. He is an assistant inspector with the CID and its spokesperson and is well known by the public. He was humiliated and degraded by being assaulted in public."
Source - newsday
