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Masango Matambanadzo

Midlands Bureau Chief
ZANU-PF Kwekwe Central MP, Masango Matambanadzo and his aide, Burden Mawire have been acquitted of assaulting a party colleague.

Matambanadzo who is popularly known as Blackman and resides in Kwekwe walked free after Provincial Magistrate, Shotgame Musaiwona last week, ruled that evidence produced by the State was inconsistent to warrant a conviction.

He and Mawire through their lawyer, Liberty Mashanyare of Masawi and Partners, had denied the charge of assaulting fellow party member, Sabikwa Msipha, in Amaveni, Kwekwe, on August 11 last year.

Mashanyare insisted that the complainant was the one who assaulted Mawire adding that Matambanadzo only intervened in a bid to stop the altercation.

He said Cde Mawire acted in self defence as Msipha attacked him.

“Your worship, my clients didn’t commit the offence. Matambanadzo is the one who actually restrained Mawire from fighting with Sabikwa Msipha who is the complainant.

“He didn’t argue or fight with Msipha,” said Mashanyare.

“My second client only acted in self-defence as Msipha was the one who attacked him first.

“Your worship, Msipha even tried to assault my second client at the police station but they were stopped by police officers.”

Prosecuting, Calvin Guvheya told the court that on August 11 last year around 3PM, Msipha went to Amaveni Shopping Centre in Kwekwe intending to attend a Heroes Day function at Amaveni Community Hall.

“On his way to the Heroes Day function, Msipha passed through Bloodspot building owned by Matambanadzo who was in his office with Mawire. Whilst in the office, Matambanadzo started accusing Msipha of plotting his political downfall,” said Guvheya.

He said before Msipha responded, Mawire started assaulting him.

Guvheya said Msipha retaliated and attacked Mawire.

The court heard that on the same day, Msipha reported the matter at Amaveni Police Station leading to Matambanadzo and Mawire’s arrest.

Mawire and Msipha later sought medical help.