Man bashes lawyer at court

A DARING Masvingo man has been jailed for eight months for beating a lawyer in court.

Tawanda Munyai (36) reacted when a $7 000 civil claim order granted to his relative Ngonidzashe Mazorodze had been challenged by lawyer Tichaona Bhunu. He bashed the legal practitioner outside the courtroom, but still under the roof of the court building.

The incident happened on April 20 this year at the Masvingo Magistrates' Court where Munyai attended the civil court hearing of Mazorodze while Bhunu's unnamed client challenged the order.

For the State, Fidelis Nyamukondiwa told the court that on the day in question after the two parties exited the courtroom when the case was postponed to a later date, Munyai advanced at Bhunu asking him why he was challenging the order granted to his relative. Munyai then held Bhunu by the collar and beat him before flooring him.

He continued kicking him on the face before court officials intervened and restrained him.

In his judgment, magistrate Langton Ndokera said Munyai deserved a harsh sentence that would send a stern warning to those that disregard and belittle court processes. Ndokera suspended two months on condition of good behaviour, meaning he will effectively serve six months.