Gomwe convicted of criminal insult

By Tarisai Machakaire

HARARE – Ousted Zanu PF Harare youth league chairperson Godwin Gomwe was on Tuesday convicted on two counts of insulting fellow party members using grossly-offensive speech.

Presiding magistrate Takunda Mutetwa found Gomwe guilty of criminal insult and contravening section 88 (c) of the Post and Telecommunications Act.

His sentence will be read out in court today.

“The court is convinced that the State managed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. What was in the witness’ statements was in accordance with the testimonies given in court,” he said.

“The court wonders why the accused person didn’t bring his own witnesses to substantiate his defence. He could not give reasonable points why the witnesses could have fabricated the allegations against him.

“The court will proceed to amend the section through which the accused person was being charged on the second count from 88 (a) to 88 (c) which deals with making telephone calls for purposes of annoyance.”

Gomwe was represented by John Ndomene throughout the court proceedings.

The first complainant, Winnie Madekufa, claimed that Gomwe insulted her by alleging she was a witch and member of the Gamatox.

Gomwe’s lawyer said it was not possible that “Gamatox” was an insult because from his research there was no legal definition to classify the word as an insult.

On the second count, it was proved that Gomwe called Abraham Samushonga and insulted him using grossly-offensive speech.

Gomwe had denied the charges arguing the complainants were on a smear campaign.

He claimed the first complainant, Madekufa was bitter that she did not get a chance to address people at the previous Zanu PF congress. Daily News