Former Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Tinashe Kambarami and ward
Four councillor Silas Chigora who have been facing charges of malicious damage
to property have been acquitted.
The pair was accused of damaging a French door, five window
panes and locks at council chambers on July 12 this year.
After a full trial, Bulawayo magistrate Mr Shepherd Mjanja
ruled that the State had failed to provide enough evidence linking the pair to
the alleged crime. The two were therefore found not quilty and acquitted.
“After going through evidence that has been brought before
this court, it is clear that the State witnesses did not see the two accused
committing the offence. The court can
therefore not convict people when there is no evidence that they committed the
alleged offence,” said Mr Mjanja.
The State allegations were that on July 11 at about 2.30PM
the accused persons visited Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube’s office to
serve him with a suspension letter.
“During the process
an altercation broke out between the pair and Mr Dube and it led to residents
and pressure groups joining in support of the Town Clerk.
“The following day, the Mayor, Clr Solomon Mguni lifted the
suspension and deferred a special council meeting which the accused persons
wanted to hold,” said Mr Marime.
Mr Kambarami and Clr Chigora who had a legal duty to comply
with their superior’s directive however defied
Mayor Mguni and went ahead to hold an unsanctioned council meeting. Chronicle
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