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Zanu PF Heavyweight Testifies in High Profile Stocktheft Case


ZANU-PF secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa on Monday dismissed state accusations that the party’s former Manicaland provincial chairman, Mike Madiro, and the party’s acting women league’s chairperson, Dorthy Mabika, who allegedly stole 10 beasts donated for celebrations to mark President Robert Mugabe’s birthday last year, are political victims.

Mr. Mutasa said it was untrue that the two were being politically persecuted by heavy weights in the province.

The Zanu PF secretary for administration told a packed courtroom he had nothing against Madiro and Mabika who pleaded not guilty to stocktheft charges.

Madiro and Mabika are accused of stealing 10 cattle sourced on behalf of the 21st February Movement to prepare for celebrations to mark President Mugabe’s 88th birthday last year.

Mr. Mutasa said the two allegedly committed an offense by converting what was not theirs for personal use.

The former freedom fighter said he had nothing against them. Zanu-PF, he said, expects accountability from all its leaders, adding it would be a serious offence to look the other way as this would encourage chaos.

He exchanged harsh words with defense lawyer, Tinfara Hove, over his position and influence in Zanu-PF.
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Mr. Mutasa also refused to answer a question from the defence lawyer on why he failed to make a subsequent police report of stock theft against the two after learning of the missing cattle.

Zanu PF youth chairperson, Absalom Sikhosana, also testified in court stating he was not aware of the political dynamics of Manicaland province, adding he would not answer questions connected to factionalism.

Broadcaster, Supa Collins Mandiwanzira, who is also the Zanu PF Manicaland provincial secretary for finance, told the court he released funds to pay for the 10 cattle, adding that was his only involvement with the case.

Mr. Mandiwanzira said as party practice, there was nothing wrong with the beasts being used for another event as is alleged to have happened in this case.

Jane Rose Matsikidze appeared for the state. The trial continues Tuesday when more witnesses will be called to the stand.
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