Biti tells court he never charged towards complainant

Opposition member Tendai Biti, who stands accused of verbally assaulting local businesswoman Tatiana Aleshina, refuted claims that he approached her in an intimidating manner. Biti presented his defense following assertions from multiple State witnesses, who asserted that on December 30, 2020, he aggressively advanced towards Aleshina, prompting one witness to intervene and prevent physical contact.

During the court proceedings, witnesses testified that Biti appeared highly agitated as he exited the Harare courtroom, shouting that Aleshina was "stupid" while approaching her. Biti countered these allegations, asserting that it was implausible as he was holding books and a bag in both hands, making it physically impossible for him to point a finger at Aleshina.

Furthermore, Biti claimed ignorance of the complainant until the date of the alleged verbal assault, maintaining that their interaction lasted less than a minute. Despite submitting his defense for nearly three weeks, Biti previously informed the court that his submissions might extend over a prolonged period.

Prosecutor Michael Reza accused Biti of employing delaying tactics by introducing irrelevant evidence during previous court sessions. Magistrate Vongai Guwuriro adjourned the proceedings to December 5 for the continuation of the trial.