Zanu-PF MP's trial kicks off

The trial of Zanu-PF legislator for Mhondoro Ngezi, Mike Gava, who allegedly went berserk and fired a volley of bullets in the sky before kidnapping his ex-girlfriend, will kick off here today.

Kadoma magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba had postponed the trial after Gava's docket was sent to the Prosecutor General's office in Harare.

The legislator, who is out on bail, is facing charges of kidnapping and discharging a firearm in public.

The state alleged that Gava ran amok at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre in April, firing a volley of bullets, before kidnapping his ex-girlfriend.

The lawmaker was arrested after he fired three shots in the hotel casino following a heated altercation with his ex-girlfriend, Thandeka Chitombo.

Gava, who was said to be tipsy, reportedly met Chitombo at the hotel and started charging that she had refused to sire a child with him.

After getting a cold shoulder from Chitombo, he allegedly used force, threatening her, verbally and physically abusing her.

It is the state's case that witnesses in the casino attempted to restrain the lawmaker from assaulting and insulting the woman, but Gava allegedly pulled out his gun and fired three shots, causing pandemonium in the casino.

After causing havoc at the hotel, it is alleged Gava kidnapped Chitombo and drove to his farm in Kadoma, where she managed to escape.

Gava is also alleged to have fired two more shots at his farm while his ex-girlfriend was escaping from him.

A police report was lodged by Chitombo, leading to Gava's arrest.