Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Weekender Reporter
THE process to choose a substantive headman in Mandeya area of Mutasa District recently turned nasty, with the acting headman allegedly producing a gun to silence other clan members from contributing during the selection discussions.
Acting Headman Mandeya, Tonderai Mandeya (35) has since been arrested, and appeared in court, facing two counts of assaulting his aunt, Ms Dorothy Mandeya (61) and uncle, Mr Godknows Gunhe.
Tonderai who is represented by Mr Munyaradzi Manyengavana of Manyengavana Law Chambers, pleaded not guilty to both counts, telling the court that he owns a toy gun, and on the day in question he did not have it.
Public prosecutor, Mr Tinashe Madziwa, told the court that by pointing the gun at his aunt and uncle, Tonderai violated Section 89 (1) (B) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9.23, which makes it illegal to use threatening gestures on other persons.
“Acting Headman Mandeya is a nephew to Ms Dorothy Mandeya and Mr Godknows Gunhe. They do not stay together. On July 2, 2024, at around 7.30pm, and at Mandeya homestead, the accused person attended a family gathering together with the complainants to discuss the appointment of the substantive Headman Mandeya.
“In the midst of the discussions, the complainants expressed displeasure on the way the accused person was talking to his uncle, Mr Elisha Mandeya, and reprimanded him to show respect.
“However, this did not go well with the accused person who stood up, and withdrew a 9mm formula blank pistol from his pair of trousers’ pocket and pointed it at Ms Dorothy Mandeya, threatening to assault her,” said Mr Madziwa.
He said Mr Gunhe jumped, and grabbed Tonderai’s hands in a bid to refrain him from attacking Ms Mandeya.
Tonderai was later shoved outside the kitchen hut by Mr Gunhe.
“While outside, the accused threatened to assault Mr Gunhe by pointing the 9mm formula blank pistol at him, accusing him of interfering with the Mandeya clan issues. The accused later left the homestead,” said Mr Madziwa.
Rusape provincial magistrate, Ms Fungai Muringi, adjourned the matter to December 16 for continuation of trial.
