MDC-T councillor faces assault charge

A Gweru MDC-T councillor has appeared in court after he allegedly assaulted a council workers' committee representative during a hearing into the case of an employee charged with misconduct.

Kenneth Sithole of Southdowns pleaded not guilty to assault when he appeared before Gweru magistrate Ms Judith Taruvinga on Tuesday.

He was remanded out of custody to next Monday.

The State is alleging that Sithole assaulted Simbarashe Leboho during a disciplinary hearing.

It is alleged that a council worker, Kudzai Ziwurawa, was summoned to a hearing last week for allegedly insulting a councillor during the 2013 election campaign and Sithole appeared as a witness.

The court heard that during the hearing a misunderstanding arose between Sithole and Leboho over workers' salaries.

In the course of heated arguments Sithole slapped Lebolo, the court heard.

He allegedly held Lebolo by the neck before he was restrained by fellow council workers - Simbarashe Moyana and Moses Marecha.

Leboho sustained bruises and swelling around the neck, according to a medical report produced in court.

In his defence, Sithole said he did not assault Leboho but was restrained by Moyana and Marecha.

He said Leboho had insulted him by claiming he was sterile.