Charuka, accomplices further remanded on charges of assaulting Vendors4ED chairman

Former Vendors4ED patron Tendai Charuka and three alleged accomplices have been further remanded in a case in which they are accused of assaulting the organisation’s new national chairman, Samu Jere.


Charuka, who is facing two counts - one of assault and another of threats of violence - appeared in court alongside Tonderai Gondo (42) of Thornbrough, Rangemore; Raymond Muringa (27) of United Bulawayo Hospitals marriage quarters; and Nqobizitha Munyanyi (45). The four were remanded to 13 February after Charuka told the court that his wife was unwell.

All four are out of custody on US$100 bail each. Their bail conditions include reporting to their nearest police stations every Wednesday and refraining from interfering with state witnesses.

Gondo, Muringa and Munyanyi were arrested on 16 January for allegedly assaulting Jere.

Jere claims the trio was hired by Charuka to assassinate him. Charuka was later added to the docket after Jere approached prosecutors, insisting that he was the “chief culprit” and should be charged alongside the others.

Jere further alleges that the three suspects were paid US$2 500 by Charuka to kill him after he exposed alleged misuse of part of the US$200 000 empowerment fund involving former chairman Samora Chisvo, former secretary Bright Kwinjo and five suspended Bulawayo members of Vendors4ED.