Man bashed for voting for Mugabe

A Bulawayo man was yesterday arraigned before the courts on allegations of assaulting another man for voting for President Mugabe in the recent harmonised elections.

Duduzile Khanye, aged 33, allegedly punched and kicked Mr Batsirai Macherachera while at a beer drink at Iminyela Beer Garden last month. Khanye, of 59914/4 Iminyela Flats was not formally charged with assault when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Gladmore Mushove.

He was remanded in custody to 17 September. Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza told the court that sometime last month, Mr Macherachera of C290 Njube and another patron only identified as Pinky Moyo were drinking beer at Iminyela Beer Garden.

Khanye allegedly approached the two and showed them his little finger, telling them that he had voted. The court was told that he asked Mr Macherachera and his friend whether they had also cast their votes to which Mr Macherachera responded by saying he had voted for President Mugabe.

It is alleged that Khanye charged at Mr Macherachera and started kicking him.  The court was told that he continued hitting him until other patrons intervened.

Mr Macherachera sustained minor injuries and did not go to hospital. A report was made to the police leading to Khanye's arrest.