Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A FORMER soldier from Masvingo has appeared in court for allegedly assaulting Zimbabwe People First provincial spokesperson Retired Colonel Kudzai Mbudzi with a metal object following a labour dispute.

Emmanuel Masendeke (34) of Mucheke suburb, who was once employed by Rtd Col Mbudzi’s company Treasure Consultancy as operations manager, allegedly assaulted his former boss, who sustained some injuries, with a metal object and fists following the termination of his contract.

Appearing before magistrate Ms Sibonginkosi Mkandla on Friday, Masendeke pleaded not guilty to assault charges.

He was remanded out of custody to tomorrow.

Masendeke denied that he ever assaulted Rtd Col Mbudzi with a metal object but said he only retaliated in self-defence as Rtd Col Mbudzi had grabbed him by the collar.

“Rtd Col Mbudzi owes me my salary backdated to April and when I went to his office, I wanted to make enquiries on my money but he told me to leave. I however, refused after which he strangled me but I managed to unleash a fist on his face so that I free myself from his grip and he fell down. He even bit me on my left thumb and I had to be rescued by a former workmate,” said Masendeke.

During cross examination, Rtd Col Mbudzi alleged that Masendeke used a bolt and nut to assault him in the face and all over the body. “Masendeke came to my office demanding to know why I had terminated his contract and I asked him to sit down first but he refused. He instead pushed my desk resulting in me falling down. He went on to grab me by the collar and struck me on the face and body several times while I was still down. I was then rescued by my secretary who rushed to my office after hearing the noise because I was screaming,” said Rtd Col Mbudzi.

For the State, Mr Joshua Mundondo said early this month and at Treasure Consultancy offices in Victoria Ranch, Runyararo South West, Masendeke allegedly entered Rtd Col Mbudzi’s office and asked why his contract of employment had been terminated.

He also allegedly demanded his outstanding salary back dated to April.

“On July 5 Masendeke went to Rtd Col Mbudzi’s office where he entered before demanding to know why his contract of employment had been abruptly terminated. He also demanded his outstanding salary which he claimed had not been paid since April. Masendeke then pushed the desk behind which Rtd Col Mbudzi was sitting, resulting in the complainant falling down,” said Mr Mundondo.

He said Masendeke hit Rtd Col Mbudzi with a metal object and fists on the face and all over the body.

 

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