Man bashed for chanting a Tsvangirai slogan

A vendor in Chitungwiza landed himself in trouble after he allegedly assaulted an MDC-T supporter for chanting his party's slogan.

Paul Matenga (28) of 3626 Unit D has become the sixth person to appear in court facing charges of politically-inspired violence, following the arrest of five other MDC-T youths last week.

Matenga, who plies his trade at Unit D Shops in the same town, on March 3 allegedly met two friends, Tinashe Manyengedzo (30), a sculptor and his friend Munyaradzi Chilewe, both MDC-T supporters.

The pair was coming from a beerhall at around midnight walking past Ablaze Ministries Church while chanting MDC-T slogan, "Pamberi naMorgan Tsvangirai".

Upon hearing the pair lauding the MDC-T leader, Matenga who was ahead turned and charged towards the pair in a fit of rage.

He reportedly grabbed Manyengedzo and floored him with punches and kicks.

When Manyengedzo inquired why he was being assaulted, Matenga allegedly informed him that he was not supposed to sing MDC-T slogans.

Matenga was not asked to plead to an assault charge when he appeared before Chitungwiza magistrate Ms Nomsa Sabarauta. He was remanded in custody to Friday for trial.

Mr Lovet Muringani prosecuted.