MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Zanu PF Masvingo youth provincial chairperson, Delight Mandebvu has sought for the postponement of his assault court case against former mayor Collen Maboke after complaining that lawyers in Masvingo have shunned and refused to represent him.
Mandebvu who limped into court using crutches on Tuesday also sought to have the case moved to a court outside Masvingo for fear that Maboke, a former mayor of the Ancient City could influence the outcome because he is a well-connected lawyer.
Mandebvu is facing three counts of assault after he allegedly attacked Maboke, his wife Tariro and a relative Simbarashe Matyei. The incident happened after Mandebvu’s vehicle sideswiped with Maboke’s along Masvingo-Mutare Road two months ago.
Mandebvu is alleged to have made a U-turn after the accident, drove after Maboke’s vehicle and blocked its way 10km further. Mandebvu then allegedly assaulted the three.
Mandebvu is denying the charges.
He told Magistrate Elizabeth Hanzi that he needed a month to look for a lawyer outside Masvingo. He however, later withdrew his application to have his case heard outside Masvingo Province.
Prosecutor Godknows Mugondo opposed the postponement of the case saying that Mandebvu was served with court papers a week earlier and had ample time to find a lawyer.
Magistrate Hanzi gave Mandebvu until May 21, 2024, to look for a lawyer and the case will continue on that date.
“I need a month to look for a lawyer outside Masvingo Province. I had a torrid time finding one here and this is because Maboke influenced them.
“I am not comfortable being tried in Masvingo Province because of Maboke’s influence and it is my humble request that this case be tried outside the province,” he said.
Magistrate Hanzi said it is common knowledge that lawyers in Masvingo would be reluctant to take up his case since he is going against one of theirs.
“Its common knowledge that lawyers would be reluctant to take up your case because you are going against one of their own. Ask anyone in here and they will tell you that it’s common knowledge,” said the Magistrate.