Two Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officers are facing murder charges at the High Court in Masvingo after allegedly assaulting a fellow soldier into unconsciousness and stealing from him during a violent altercation at a nightclub. The victim later died from his injuries.
Prosper Ncube (35) and Innocent Mazvuru (36), both attached to the Infantry 4/2 Brigade in Gutu, are accused of attacking Simbarashe Albert Gama, a ZNA officer based in Harare, during the early hours of 28 April 2024.
The incident took place at MDD Nightclub near Mpandawana Growth Point at around 3 AM.
According to prosecutors, the pair allegedly assaulted Gama after he failed to produce his military ID. Ncube, who had reportedly absconded from duty to go out drinking, is said to have led the confrontation.
After Gama told patrons he was a soldier, the two accused men demanded to see proof. When he couldn’t produce it, they allegedly tied him with a shoelace and began beating him.
Witnesses say Gama was kicked and punched in the face until he bled from the nose and mouth before collapsing.
A barman, Cephas Mudyiwa, and another patron, Hardlife Maheya, attempted to intervene but were allegedly told by the soldiers to stay out of it.
Prosecutors say the accused then took US$45 and a mobile phone from Gama’s pocket before leaving him for dead.
Tapera Mbizvo, a member of the Military Police, responded to the report and found Gama unconscious. He rushed him to the 4/2 Camp Battalion Clinic, and he was later transferred to Gutu Mission Hospital.
Despite further treatment at Josiah Magama Tongogara Army Hospital in Harare, Gama died two weeks later.
The case is being heard by Justice Helena Charewa. Innocent Mazvuru is being represented by Omen Mafa of Mutendi, Mudisi and Shumba Legal Practitioners.
More: Masvingo Mirror
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