News / National
Man assaults fines officer at court
06 Dec 2024 at 08:26hrs | Views
A 42-year-old man from Harare, Eliah Mhiyangwa, has appeared in court facing charges of assault after allegedly attacking a court official at the Mbare Magistrates Court in August this year.
Mhiyangwa, from Old Highfield, appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Apollonia Marutya on Wednesday, charged with assault under section 89(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. He was granted bail in the amount of US$100 and is scheduled to return to court on 13 December for the commencement of his trial.
Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi outlined the events leading up to the alleged assault, stating that on August 2, Mhiyangwa became violent towards a resident magistrate, Rangarirayi Gakanje, at the Mbare Magistrates Court. After requesting to meet with the magistrate, Mhiyangwa was directed to her office. However, once inside the office, he reportedly became aggressive.
Magistrate Gakanje called for security to remove Mhiyangwa, but as court fines officer Kelvin Mupotaringa, 25, attempted to intervene and escort him out, Mhiyangwa allegedly kicked Mupotaringa four times in the stomach.
Chonzi confirmed that Mupotaringa was eventually rescued by police officers who apprehended Mhiyangwa at the scene.
The case has drawn attention to the violence sometimes faced by court officials while performing their duties, with Mhiyangwa now set to stand trial next month.
Mhiyangwa, from Old Highfield, appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Apollonia Marutya on Wednesday, charged with assault under section 89(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. He was granted bail in the amount of US$100 and is scheduled to return to court on 13 December for the commencement of his trial.
Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi outlined the events leading up to the alleged assault, stating that on August 2, Mhiyangwa became violent towards a resident magistrate, Rangarirayi Gakanje, at the Mbare Magistrates Court. After requesting to meet with the magistrate, Mhiyangwa was directed to her office. However, once inside the office, he reportedly became aggressive.
Chonzi confirmed that Mupotaringa was eventually rescued by police officers who apprehended Mhiyangwa at the scene.
The case has drawn attention to the violence sometimes faced by court officials while performing their duties, with Mhiyangwa now set to stand trial next month.
Source - The Chronicle
