The trial of Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Tinashe Kambarami and Ward 4 Councillor Silas Chigora who allegedly assaulted Town Clerk Christopher Dube failed to kick off on Wednesday after the state delayed to serve court papers.
The councillor`s lawyer, Maqhawe Mpofu of Mlaudzi and Partners told the court he only received state papers yesterday (Tuesday) and he did not enough time to prepare for the trial.
Bulawayo Provincial Magistrate Tinashe Tashaya postponed the matter to August 8 for commencement of trial.
“Your Worship, I have been trying my best to acquire the State papers but to no avail. I understand this is a trial court not a remand court hence am pleading for the court to postpone the matter to tomorrow. That way we can have enough time to go through the papers and prepare for the case,” pleaded Mpofu.
According to the state papers as presented by Leonard Chile, the two councillors assaulted Town Clerk Christopher Dube with open hands, fists and kicked him several times all over his body in his office.
“On July 11, the two councillors went to Dube’s office to serve him with a letter of suspension. They were in the company of Felix Mhaka, Clayton Zana, Tawanda Ruzive, Pilate Moyo, Lilian Mlilo, Batirai Dube and Jabangwe,” said Chile.
Cllr Kambarami in July suspended Dube on allegations of misappropriating council funds, abuse of office and corruption.
Clly Kambarami’s decision was later reversed by the city mayor His Worship Cllr Solomon Mguni.
