In a significant legal victory, Patrick Cheza, a senior opposition figure and the August 2023 parliamentary candidate for Chirumhanzu South from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has been acquitted of all charges.
The Gweru Magistrate court cleared Cheza, along with his co-accused Tinashe Moyo, Tanyaradzwa Marimbe, Christopher Mutoboni, and Alex Gamuchirai, of assault, robbery and malicious damage to property charges.
Gweru Provincial Magistrate Tavengwa Sangster ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support the accusations against Cheza and his co-accused. The magistrate highlighted the lack of incriminating evidence, pointing out that the state had admitted there was no prima facie case. The inconsistencies and unreliable testimonies from state witnesses further weakened the prosecution’s case.
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Reactions to the Verdict
Cheza, who was defended by renowned lawyers Esau Mandipa and Leopold Mudisi, expressed his relief following the verdict. “I am happy that I have been acquitted, and I have been consistently saying that I did not commit any of those offences,” Cheza stated in an interview post-ruling.
Patrick Cheza Background Allegations
The charges against Cheza and his associates stemmed from incidents that allegedly occurred in May of the previous year. The accusations included the assault of Justice Dzaguma at Rupepwe Primary School in Chirumanzu and the robbery and assault of war veteran and ZANU-PF member Mzembi Ngamo, where it was claimed they stole US$50, a POSB bank card, and a ZANU-PF party card. Additionally, they were accused of taking a cell phone from Philemon Madzivanyika and damaging a pouch valued at US$3 at Mazvimba Primary School.
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Ongoing Legal Challenges
In a related development, Gweru Provincial Magistrate Beaulity Dube has granted the state’s request for Dr Kelvin Nemayire to testify in another case involving Cheza. This case concerns allegations that Cheza incited opposition activists to assault the Tourism Minister and Chirumhanzu legislator, Barbra Rwodzi. The defence plans to appeal this ruling, citing potential bias and questioning Dr Nemayire’s medical credentials.
The court has scheduled further hearings for June 25, with the defence preparing to file for Cheza’s discharge on June 18. The state will present its arguments on June 21. The defence has raised concerns about the admissibility of medical evidence from a private hospital, referencing a prior ruling that excluded such evidence from court proceedings.
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