News / National
CCC MP assaults church leader
15 Nov 2024 at 08:28hrs | Views
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator for Zengeza East, Goodrich Chimbaira (37), and his three brothers—Phillip Chimbaira, Agrippa Shadreck Chimbaira (34), and Jericho Chimbaira (31)—have appeared in court on charges of assaulting their churchmate and leader, Meki Jotamu.
The four were arraigned before Chitungwiza Magistrate Winfilder Tiatara and are charged with assault. The case has been remanded to November 26 for trial.
Background
The accused and the complainant are longstanding members of the Gospel of God Church and reside in the same neighborhood. The alleged incident occurred on October 8, around 7:30 p.m., outside the church's premises in Unit E, Seke, Chitungwiza.
According to the State, the misunderstanding arose as Jotamu was leaving the church following their usual prayer session. The accused allegedly confronted him outside the premises, leading to the alleged assault.
Legal Proceedings
The accused have not yet entered pleas, and details surrounding the cause of the misunderstanding remain unclear. Both parties are expected to provide their accounts during the trial.
Public Reaction
The incident has drawn attention due to Goodrich Chimbaira's position as a legislator. Observers have expressed concern over the escalation of personal or religious disputes to physical confrontations, calling for reconciliation and peaceful conflict resolution within communities.
The court proceedings will determine the outcome of the case as the trial begins later this month.
The four were arraigned before Chitungwiza Magistrate Winfilder Tiatara and are charged with assault. The case has been remanded to November 26 for trial.
Background
The accused and the complainant are longstanding members of the Gospel of God Church and reside in the same neighborhood. The alleged incident occurred on October 8, around 7:30 p.m., outside the church's premises in Unit E, Seke, Chitungwiza.
According to the State, the misunderstanding arose as Jotamu was leaving the church following their usual prayer session. The accused allegedly confronted him outside the premises, leading to the alleged assault.
Legal Proceedings
The accused have not yet entered pleas, and details surrounding the cause of the misunderstanding remain unclear. Both parties are expected to provide their accounts during the trial.
Public Reaction
The incident has drawn attention due to Goodrich Chimbaira's position as a legislator. Observers have expressed concern over the escalation of personal or religious disputes to physical confrontations, calling for reconciliation and peaceful conflict resolution within communities.
The court proceedings will determine the outcome of the case as the trial begins later this month.
Source - The Herald
