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TTI withdraws charges in viral clamping case
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A Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) employee who went viral earlier this year for sawing off a clamping device from his vehicle has been cleared of theft charges after Tendy Three Investments (TTI) unexpectedly withdrew its complaint.
Patson Maseko appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Mr Maxwell Ncube on Wednesday morning, facing charges of malicious damage to property and theft. He was represented by Mr Thulani Ndlovu of Ndlovu Legal Practice.
The state, led by prosecutor Mr Nkanyezi Xaba, alleged that on 28 January around 10:00 AM, Maseko's white single-cab pickup was clamped at the corner of 11th Avenue and George Silundika Street for violating city parking by-laws. Prosecutors claimed that Maseko used an unknown object—later identified in viral footage as a hacksaw - to remove the clamping device, then drove off with it. The clamp was reportedly worth US$250.
The incident drew widespread attention on social media after a video surfaced showing Maseko arguing with a TTI marshal, allegedly assaulting the enforcement officer, and using a hacksaw to cut through the padlock securing the clamp.
However, just before plea proceedings could commence, TTI notified the court that it was withdrawing all charges against Maseko. No reasons were provided for the sudden decision.
The withdrawal comes as a surprise, given the high-profile nature of the case and the viral footage that circulated online.
Maseko breathed a visible sigh of relief as the court dismissed the charges. The case had sparked heated public debate over parking enforcement practices and the conduct of both motorists and municipal officials.
Despite the dropped charges, legal experts say the incident highlights the ongoing tension between citizens and contracted municipal service providers, with calls for clearer regulations and improved dispute resolution mechanisms.
Patson Maseko appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Mr Maxwell Ncube on Wednesday morning, facing charges of malicious damage to property and theft. He was represented by Mr Thulani Ndlovu of Ndlovu Legal Practice.
The state, led by prosecutor Mr Nkanyezi Xaba, alleged that on 28 January around 10:00 AM, Maseko's white single-cab pickup was clamped at the corner of 11th Avenue and George Silundika Street for violating city parking by-laws. Prosecutors claimed that Maseko used an unknown object—later identified in viral footage as a hacksaw - to remove the clamping device, then drove off with it. The clamp was reportedly worth US$250.
The incident drew widespread attention on social media after a video surfaced showing Maseko arguing with a TTI marshal, allegedly assaulting the enforcement officer, and using a hacksaw to cut through the padlock securing the clamp.
However, just before plea proceedings could commence, TTI notified the court that it was withdrawing all charges against Maseko. No reasons were provided for the sudden decision.
The withdrawal comes as a surprise, given the high-profile nature of the case and the viral footage that circulated online.
Maseko breathed a visible sigh of relief as the court dismissed the charges. The case had sparked heated public debate over parking enforcement practices and the conduct of both motorists and municipal officials.
Despite the dropped charges, legal experts say the incident highlights the ongoing tension between citizens and contracted municipal service providers, with calls for clearer regulations and improved dispute resolution mechanisms.
Source - the herald
