MDC-T activists jailed for assaulting Zanu-PF activists

Four MDC-T activists were on Friday convicted for assaulting a number of Zanu-PF activists in the run-up to June 27 2008 presidential runoff.

They were yesterday slapped with 30 months in jail each.

The four, Norman Sibanda (50), Mane Patrick Ncube (47), Thulani Sibanda (34) and Robert Karat Tshuma (60) were denying the public violence charges, but were convicted by Lupane magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba.

Gwazemba suspended six months of the sentence for five years on condition of good behaviour.

In sentencing them, the magistrate said the sentence was meant to deter political violence ahead of elections.

"You went on a rampage attacking your political opponents and that is not right," Gwazemba said.

"People have to support their political parties in peace and political violence has affected this country to a larger extent and needs to be removed from the society."

The same court recently acquitted five MDC-T activists Abraham Sibanda (53), Orchard Ndlovu (44), Melusi Ncube (40), Dokotela Sibanda (58) and Victor Nyoni (40) also facing the same charges.

State witnesses exonerated the five in their evidence.