Activist Tiringindi appeals against conviction

Masvingo human rights defender and chairperson of Masvingo Residents Trust, Prosper Tiringindi who was recently convicted of malicious injury to property together with an accomplice has made an appeal at the High Court against both sentence and conviction.

The allegations are that Tiringindi together with Ephraim Mtombeni held a demonstration against council accusing it of unfair distribution of a $10 000 grant from the Germany City of Kerman that was supposed to go to the poor.

The two are alleged to have then damaged furniture and window panes at Zambuko Trust where the fund is administered and they also accused Mayor Hubert Fidze and Town Clerk Adolf Gusha of corruption and demanded their resignation.

Magistrate Langton Ndokera found the two guilty and sentenced Tiringindi and Mutombeni to three months each wholly suspended on condition that they do not commit similar offences in the next five years.

In addition Tiringindi was ordered to pay a fine of $400 and Mtombeni $100. They were given up to November 30, 2016 to pay those fines.

Prosecutor Nancy Makuvise argued that Tiringindi is always in the courts answering one case or another and hence he now regarded himself as being above the law. She called for a stiffer sentence on him.

Masvingo Mirror