A member of the Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) who was found guilty of participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence has been slapped with 510 hours of community service.
Parton Xaba (44), MRP National Organising Secretary, was charged under court Section 37 (1)a of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:12, which is participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaching peace or bigotry.
This was after the courts found Xaba guilty of participating in a demonstration that occurred on March 8, 2021, at Chiefs Lodge in Ntabazinduna, where he together with MRP leader, Mqondisi Moyo and 30 others, who are still at large, are accused of unlawfully and intentionally breaking in the premises belonging to Floyd Ambrose.
Xaba was accused of assaulting a security guard and with the 30 others, throwing Ambrose’s household property outside while disturbing the peace, security and order of the public.
In handing down the sentence at Tredgold Magistrates Court Thursday, magistrate Tawengwa Sengester sentenced Xaba to 30 months imprisonment.
Sengester, however, suspended 15 months on the condition that within five years, Xaba does not commit the same offence.
The remaining other 15 months were suspended on the basis that he commits 510 hours of community services at Tshabalala Police.
When Xaba went for his initial hearing at Tredgold Magistrates Court in Bulawayo Monday, he caused a stir as he appeared wearing a replica of prison garb, which he said was a sign of protest against harsh sentencing by state authorities.
The magistrate was not amused with his antics and chided him for loving attention.
Read more: https://cite.org.zw/mrp-member-causes-stir-in-court-appears-in-replica-prison-garb/
