Tinashe Chitsunge Murder Case: 13 Zanu-PF Thugs Charged
Chitsunge was allegedly stoned to death by the thugs, who disrupted the CCC’s campaign rally in Glen View
Thirteen Zanu PF supporters appeared at the Harare magistrates court yesterday facing public violence charges following the deadly attack on Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists in Harare.
The Zanu PF supporters are linked to the murder of CCC activist Tinashe Edison Chitsunge (44).
Chitsunge was allegedly stoned to death by the Zanu PF supporters, who disrupted the opposition party’s campaign rally at a field in Glen View last week.
Magistrate Yeukai Dzuda remanded the suspects to tomorrow after their lawyer, Stephen Chikotora asked the court to speed up their bail hearing, saying his clients’ liberty was at stake.
Chikotora also asked the court to prioritise the case so that the matter may be heard with urgency.
The suspects are:
- Cleopas Ndlovu (27),
- Ruzivo Mapuranga (39),
- Pauline Chikomo (37),
- Brian Mutanga (38),
- Berrington Mutanga (36),
- Emma Murana (40),
- Tawanda Muchatisi (29),
- Tapiwa Kaseke (32),
- Nyakabau Munashe (18),
- Tinashe Mabheki (35),
- Fadzai Madzinga (47),
- Forget Kanyuru (29) and
- Phenius Kamwendo (28).
According to court papers, on August 3 and at around 6 am, ZRP Glen Norah deployed members to cover a sanctioned CCC rally scheduled for Chimunhu Grounds, Tanaka Area, Glen View 7, Harare.
10 Arrested Over Murder of CCC Activist Tinashe Chitsunge
While at the venue, the accused persons, who are suspected Zanu PF supporters and others who are still at large, arrived and started playing soccer.
Police asked them to disperse but they ignored the instruction and continued playing soccer at the venue.
The police tried to engage the accused persons but they became violent and threw stones at the law enforcement officers.
Police had to use teargas to disperse them, the court heard.
At that time, CCC supporters arrived for their intended rally, and the accused persons regrouped before the two groups started throwing stones at each other.
It is alleged that as a result of the public violence, Chitsunge lost his life while vehicles were damaged and property was stolen.
