The claims were made yesterday(Monday) by Mabika`s lawyer Tinofara Hove of TK Hove and Associates in the Mutare magistrates courts, where the deposed party official is jointly charged with former provincial chairman Mike Madiro on stock theft charges involving 10 beasts donated toward President Mugabe birthday in 2011.
Hove, told magistrate Lucy- Anne Mungwari, during cross examination of Kenneth Saruchera that he (Saruchera) was not a credible witness since he was amongst the party members who were politically persecuting the accused.
He said Saruchera together with Mandiwanzira and Samanga attended a secret meeting at Mutasa homestead where they plotted a coup against Mabika.
"Saruchera you are a lier and not a credible witness because you are of the politicians who are playing ball to dislodge the accussed.You attended a secret meeting at Mutasa homestead with an intention to dislodge the accused from her position. After the meeting, you moved around the province masquerading as the new chairperson," said Hove.
Hove said Saruchera even went further to attend a chairperson`s meeting in Harare party headquarters, adding that this was ploy to perpetuate a political agenda to discredit the accused.
However, Saruchera denied he was involved in shoddy deals to undermine and dislodge the accused. Although, Saruchera agreed that he meet Mutasa on several occasions, he said they were discussing purely party business.
He said he had no personal vendetta against the accused since even after suspension he took instructions from her (Mabika) and still has respect for her as a party colleague.
Saruchera also confirmed that he attended a party meeting in Harare but defended his decision, saying he was invited in his personal capacity.
He denied that he had any knowledge about the stolen beasts, saying he was in court only to explain party procedures as the secretary for administration.
On the political persecution, Saruchera said the party could not persecute its members but it wanted justice to be done.
Mungwari had to caution Hove to tone down after Saruchera complained that the defense counsel was intimidating him. Jane Rose Matsikidze appeared for the state.
The trial continues today (Tuesday) at 14:30 when one witnes will be called to the stand.
Post published in: News