Two arrested over MRT House fracas

Michael Mashiri

Two men, who were part of a team that allegedly stormed Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, formally Harvest House, have appeared in court.

Brilliant Chitute, 31, of Chishawasha Hills and Godfrey Tula, 37, appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts accused of public violence.

They were remanded in custody.

The State, through prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, alleges that on January 8, 2024, at around 1530 hours, the two accused together with their eighteen accomplices approached, Yusuf Nigel Madi, Joseph Tonderai Madziwa, Tendai Medzani and Gibson Saruwaka who were on security duty at Morgan Richard Tsvangirai House, which used to called Harvest House, in Harare.

It is alleged that the accused persons stormed into Harvest House through the front main entrance without seeking permission.

Chitute had a new lock while Tula had a new chain. While still by the security checkpoint, the two and eighteen others, who are still at large, closed the main gate and attempted to lock the screen gate at the main entrance of the Harvest House using their own lock and chain.

The victims and the security personnel confronted the accused persons and an altercation ensued, resulting in the accused persons assaulting the occupants with clenched fists and a chain.

It is alleged that the victims sought assistance from other members of the MDC-T, who operate from the front of the building.

Around eighteen other accused persons escaped from the scene, leaving Chitute and Tula, who were subsequently overpowered and apprehended.

On the same date, a report was made at ZRP Harare Central.

The Harare Central District Reaction Group reacted and the two were handed over to them.

Madi sustained a cut on the forehead.

The other victims have no visible injuries.