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Prisons officer, 6 Zanu-PF activists in kidnapping case
3 hrs ago |
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A Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service intelligence officer and six ruling party activists are expected to appear in court today facing kidnapping and assault charges linked to a violent dispute in Gokwe.
The officer, Isheunesu Benjamin Marima, who also serves as a Midlands National Youth Service commander, is jointly charged alongside six Zanu-PF activists over the alleged abduction and assault of a local man.
According to the State, the incident occurred on March 30 when the accused allegedly approached 34-year-old Calisto Muzofa at Gokwe bus terminus, demanding a "rank affiliation fee" purportedly linked to party structures.
Muzofa reportedly told the group he was not a party member, which allegedly triggered the attack.
Prosecutors say Marima allegedly seized the complainant's cellphone and smashed it using a pistol before the group forced him into a vehicle and drove him to a nearby forest.
The court heard that Muzofa was allegedly assaulted with logs during the ordeal, sustaining injuries. He later reported the matter to the police and was referred to Gokwe South General Hospital for medical examination.
A medical report is expected to form part of the evidence in the case.
The damaged cellphone, valued at US$120, was not recovered.
Marima was arrested on April 1 at Somabhula Business Centre in Gweru, where police reportedly recovered a Toyota GD6 vehicle and handcuffs suspected to have been used in the crime. He was later transferred to Gokwe.
His six co-accused — Alfred Rudende, Willard Like, Philimon Makumbe, Farai Chakaita, Saul Machina and Thabani Nsingo — were arrested the same day in Gokwe.
Police also recovered logs allegedly used in the assault, while a rifle believed to have been involved has not yet been located. Investigations are ongoing to trace the weapon.
The accused are being represented by lawyer Solomon Kangembeu, with Gokwe regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje presiding over the matter.
The case adds to growing scrutiny around politically linked violence amid ongoing public hearings on the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
The officer, Isheunesu Benjamin Marima, who also serves as a Midlands National Youth Service commander, is jointly charged alongside six Zanu-PF activists over the alleged abduction and assault of a local man.
According to the State, the incident occurred on March 30 when the accused allegedly approached 34-year-old Calisto Muzofa at Gokwe bus terminus, demanding a "rank affiliation fee" purportedly linked to party structures.
Muzofa reportedly told the group he was not a party member, which allegedly triggered the attack.
Prosecutors say Marima allegedly seized the complainant's cellphone and smashed it using a pistol before the group forced him into a vehicle and drove him to a nearby forest.
The court heard that Muzofa was allegedly assaulted with logs during the ordeal, sustaining injuries. He later reported the matter to the police and was referred to Gokwe South General Hospital for medical examination.
A medical report is expected to form part of the evidence in the case.
The damaged cellphone, valued at US$120, was not recovered.
Marima was arrested on April 1 at Somabhula Business Centre in Gweru, where police reportedly recovered a Toyota GD6 vehicle and handcuffs suspected to have been used in the crime. He was later transferred to Gokwe.
His six co-accused — Alfred Rudende, Willard Like, Philimon Makumbe, Farai Chakaita, Saul Machina and Thabani Nsingo — were arrested the same day in Gokwe.
Police also recovered logs allegedly used in the assault, while a rifle believed to have been involved has not yet been located. Investigations are ongoing to trace the weapon.
The accused are being represented by lawyer Solomon Kangembeu, with Gokwe regional magistrate Stanford Mambanje presiding over the matter.
The case adds to growing scrutiny around politically linked violence amid ongoing public hearings on the proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill.
Source - Southern Eye
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