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CCC activist acquitted for assaulting village head
04 Nov 2024 at 16:31hrs | Views
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Wilson Guvamatanga, 62, walked out of the Gutu Magistrate Court smiling today after being acquitted of assault charges in a case that highlighted ongoing tensions over the distribution of government food aid on political lines. Magistrate Edwin Marecha ruled that there was insufficient evidence to link Guvamatanga to the alleged assault of his 79-year-old uncle, Takakurumbira Guvamatanga, a local village head.
The allegations stemmed from claims that Wilson assaulted Takakurumbira after he reportedly denied him government food aid due to political differences. Takakurumbira, a known Zanu-PF supporter, accused his nephew, an outspoken CCC activist, of attacking him so severely that he collapsed and bled. However, Takakurumbira failed to produce any witnesses in court to corroborate his claims.
During the trial, Human Rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri represented Wilson and subjected Takakurumbira to a rigorous cross-examination. Takakurumbira's testimony was met with skepticism, as he struggled to provide substantial evidence, ultimately losing his composure on the stand.
Guvamatanga, who had spent a night in police custody following his arrest, pleaded not guilty, vehemently denying any physical confrontation with his uncle. He argued that their differing political affiliations were the real cause of the dispute, with Takakurumbira allegedly using his influence to politicize the distribution of food aid in Gutu Central. Wilson claimed that his uncle, a "foot soldier" for Zanu-PF, has been known to withhold food aid from individuals who support the opposition.
Following his acquittal, Wilson expressed relief and gratitude, particularly towards Advocate Mureri, whom he credited for securing his freedom. "I am very happy because I have always been an innocent man," he said. "I want to thank Mureri for standing up for justice. He is a man of God; without him, I would have gone to prison for no reason."
Despite the court's decision, Wilson emphasized that the issue of politicized government aid distribution remains widespread in Gutu Central, a practice that he says unfairly targets those aligned with the opposition. Takakurumbira, who had regularly attended court proceedings with his wife, was notably absent from today's judgment.
The allegations stemmed from claims that Wilson assaulted Takakurumbira after he reportedly denied him government food aid due to political differences. Takakurumbira, a known Zanu-PF supporter, accused his nephew, an outspoken CCC activist, of attacking him so severely that he collapsed and bled. However, Takakurumbira failed to produce any witnesses in court to corroborate his claims.
During the trial, Human Rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri represented Wilson and subjected Takakurumbira to a rigorous cross-examination. Takakurumbira's testimony was met with skepticism, as he struggled to provide substantial evidence, ultimately losing his composure on the stand.
Following his acquittal, Wilson expressed relief and gratitude, particularly towards Advocate Mureri, whom he credited for securing his freedom. "I am very happy because I have always been an innocent man," he said. "I want to thank Mureri for standing up for justice. He is a man of God; without him, I would have gone to prison for no reason."
Despite the court's decision, Wilson emphasized that the issue of politicized government aid distribution remains widespread in Gutu Central, a practice that he says unfairly targets those aligned with the opposition. Takakurumbira, who had regularly attended court proceedings with his wife, was notably absent from today's judgment.
Source - The Mirror
