Tsvangirai fined for assaulting CIO operative

A Bulawayo man, Dennis Tsvangirai who was part of a group which assaulted a Central Intelligence Organisation operative at a drinking spot in Queens Park West was yesterday fined $160 or 60 days in prison, NewsDay reported on Friday.

Tsvangirai was convicted on his plea of guilty when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Sibonginkosi Mkandla.

Prosecutor Shepherd Nhamburo told the court the incdent occurred on August 21.

The court heard the operative, Tedious Dzavamwe, was drinking at Wise Waters Bar in Queens Park West when Tsvangirai confronted him and started assaulting him with fists.

During the assault, a woman identified as Patricia Nkomo, also joined in and assaulted Dzavamwe on the face.

It was during that melee that the group had a free-for-all assault on Dzavamwe.

Among the mob were Tsvangirai, Nkomo and Patson Ndlovu. Dzavamwe produced his work identity card in a bid to defend himself but crowd snatched it and threw it away claiming it was a fake document.

The operative was only saved from further harm by a vendor who operates outside the drinking spot.
A report was made to the police, leading to Tsvangirai's arrest.