HARARE – Two Harare men have landed in the dock for allegedly pointing a firearm and assaulting Johanne Masowe eChishanu and self-styled ‘Mapostori for ED’ leader, Lloyd Gwasira accusing him of witchcraft.
The two, Elvis Borerwi and Tafadzwa Matoro Thursday appeared before separate magistrates and were both remanded in custody.
Matoro, who is facing a charge of pointing a firearm, appeared before Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti.
His co-accused Borerwi was charged with assault after appearing before magistrate Noticia Shenje.
He is expected back in court Friday for bail application.
Matoro denied assaulting Gwasira who is better known as Madzibaba Moses insisting he is, in fact, the one who was assaulted by the church leader’s followers.
He further claimed Gwasira wanted to bewitch him as he found him giving sweets to his children.
Matoro was arrested at Warren Park police station where he wanted to report his alleged assault by Gwasira’s followers.
Investigating Officer Lawrence Chademana opposed bail.
According to court papers, the parties hail from the same rural area and used to attend the same church.
It is alleged that on February 21 this year, Gwasira embarked on a mission to do house prayers for his church members in Highfield, Southerton, Lochinvar, Kambuzuma and Warren Park 1, Harare.
He was moving in a convoy of three vehicles with seven of his followers.
It is alleged that as they were in Warren Park 1, they first went to Rodrick Madzima’s house where they conducted prayers.
As they were leaving Madzima’s home, they met Matoro who was driving his vehicle.
Parties are said to have had an altercation, something that led to Matoro phoning Borerwi to join him.
Gwasira is said to have continued with his task and visited another church member Moreblessing Muriva.
As they were leaving Muriva’s house, they met Matoro again who was driving his vehicle and he (Matoro) signaled him to stop.
When Gwasira, Matoro is said to have started shouting at Gwasira, accusing him of being a wizard and causing his downfall.
Borerwi allegedly grabbed Gwasira and dragged him out of his car while threatening to kill him.
“During the scuffle, Matoro then went to his vehicle and took his CZ Vzor pistol serial number 159230 which he corked and pointed at Madzibaba Moses,” prosecutors said.
However, Gwasira’s followers are said to have swiftly reacted and disarmed Matoro.
Gwasira reported the case at Warren Park police station where he handed over the pistol leading to the two suspects’ arrest.
