News / National
CCC losing parliamentary candidate vindicated
17 Jun 2024 at 04:08hrs | Views
Patrick Cheza, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate for Chirumanzu South in the August 2023 elections, has been acquitted of charges related to political violence, along with four other opposition activists. Gweru provincial magistrate Sangster Tavengwa delivered the verdict last Wednesday, stating that the state failed to substantiate its case against them.
Cheza and his co-accused, Tinashe Moyo, Tanyaradzwa Marimbe, Christopher Mutoboni, and Alex Gamuchirai, were represented by lawyers Esau Mandipa and Leopold Mudisi, who successfully argued for their discharge due to lack of evidence from the prosecution. Magistrate Tavengwa highlighted inconsistencies in the testimonies of state witnesses as a key factor in the acquittal.
In an interview with Southern Eye following the court's decision, Cheza expressed relief and maintained his innocence, describing the charges as politically motivated. He criticized the ordeal endured over more than a year, attributing it to punitive actions by Zanu-PF against dissenting voices.
Cheza praised his legal team for their diligent defense throughout the trial, emphasizing their role in securing justice. He underscored the importance of impartial judicial proceedings in upholding the rule of law.
The alleged incidents occurred at Rupepwe Primary School and Mazvimba Primary School in Chirumanzu, where Cheza and his co-accused were accused of assault, theft, and property damage against Zanu-PF activists. The prosecution, led by Taurai Mavuto and Monica Mungwena, failed to substantiate these claims during cross-examination.
Cheza concluded by expressing optimism for a future Zimbabwe where justice prevails, despite the challenges faced by opposition figures in the current political climate.
Cheza and his co-accused, Tinashe Moyo, Tanyaradzwa Marimbe, Christopher Mutoboni, and Alex Gamuchirai, were represented by lawyers Esau Mandipa and Leopold Mudisi, who successfully argued for their discharge due to lack of evidence from the prosecution. Magistrate Tavengwa highlighted inconsistencies in the testimonies of state witnesses as a key factor in the acquittal.
In an interview with Southern Eye following the court's decision, Cheza expressed relief and maintained his innocence, describing the charges as politically motivated. He criticized the ordeal endured over more than a year, attributing it to punitive actions by Zanu-PF against dissenting voices.
Cheza praised his legal team for their diligent defense throughout the trial, emphasizing their role in securing justice. He underscored the importance of impartial judicial proceedings in upholding the rule of law.
The alleged incidents occurred at Rupepwe Primary School and Mazvimba Primary School in Chirumanzu, where Cheza and his co-accused were accused of assault, theft, and property damage against Zanu-PF activists. The prosecution, led by Taurai Mavuto and Monica Mungwena, failed to substantiate these claims during cross-examination.
Cheza concluded by expressing optimism for a future Zimbabwe where justice prevails, despite the challenges faced by opposition figures in the current political climate.
Source - newsday
