Feuding Zanu-PF MPs in court

Kwekwe Central MP Masango Matambanadzo and his bodyguard Beden Mawire yesterday appeared in court facing charges of assaulting Gokwe Kana MP Owen Ncube last month.

Matambanadzo (49) and Mawire (26) who were both represented by Liberty Mashanyare, are accused of punching Ncube on the face following a high speed chase at Amaveni shopping centre on July 13.

The two denied the charge and were remanded out of custody on $100 bail each to September 15 for trail before magistrate Taurai Manwere.

Prosecutor Salome Maunganidze alleges that "Matambanadzo punched Ncube with a fist on the right eye causing him some swelling and a mild headache."

The State will produce a medical report from Kwekwe General Hospital to bolster its case Mawire is facing another charge of malicious damage to property after he allegedly threw an empty beer bottle and smashed the windscreen of Ncube's Toyota D4D on the day.

In a counter report Ncube represented by Charles Chigomere, was also in the dock as an accused facing charges of threatening to destroy Matambanadzo's property.

The State alleges that before Ncube was assaulted by Matambanadzo he had addressed a group of youths at Amaveni shopping centre where he denounced Matambanadzo and asked them not to support the Kwekwe legislator.

He is alleged to have told the youths that one of them, Unique Chiduza, was going to burn down a shop belonging to Matambanadzo.

Chiduza then went and told Matambanadzo about the statements, which resulted in him chasing after Ncube who was leaving the shopping centre.

In his warned and cautioned statement, Matambanadzo said after being informed of the threats he went to see Ncube so he could ask him to explain his statements and not to assault him.

The State alleges that Matambanadzo was filled with fear after the message was conveyed to him by Chiduza.

Ncube was remanded out of custody on $100 bail to September 16 for trial.

Both MPs who boast support within Zanu-PF structures were accompanied by a large contingent of youths and supporters who literally took over the court yard and room.