MP’s discharge bid gets nod

ZENGEZA East Member of Parliament Alex Leon Musundire (MDC-T) yesterday walked out of the court a happy man after his application for discharge at the close of the state’s case was granted.

The legislator made the application, arguing that the state had failed to prove a case against him.

Musundire (43) was facing charges of assaulting a 61-year-old man for unclear reasons.

Magistrate Ms Vongai Muchuchuti granted the application in Musundire’s favour, saying there was political bad blood between the alleged victim, Amos Kafere, and the legislator.

She further stated that there were inconsistencies in Kafere’s testimony.

The legislator, in his defence outline, denied the charge, saying he only arrived at the scene of the incident around 6pm and had no idea of who perpetrated the said assault.

“Accused will state that he is being maliciously smeared since he is an MP on an MDC ticket and the issue is politically motivated to frustrate deliverance of his duties,” reads part of his defence outline.

He further stated that the incident occurred at a house where Kafere had been ordered off by the Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court, and he was clearly violating a lawful court order and courting the ire of the residents.