KEY POINTS
- The nine Zimbabweans allegedly beat and killed Tavonanashe Mariga.
- The attack at Matebele Farms was reportedly recorded on video.
- A prosecutor requested they remain in custody due to case severity.
A total of nine individuals from Zimbabwe have been officially charged with murder and unlawful entry into Botswana in connection with the death of compatriot Tavonanashe Mariga, who reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained from a brutal beating.
Nine suspects charged with murder and illegal entry
The individuals facing charges, all of whom are male, include Crispen Gasura, aged 33; Desmond Dube, aged 23; Takesure Fraser, aged 38; Abbisai Gasura, aged 29; Justice Mafukidze, aged 25; Clayton Chiwa, aged 35; Spencer Gasura, aged 35; Calvin Mafukidze, aged 27; and Alouis Gasura, aged 23. They presented themselves at the Broadhurst Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
According to New Zimbabawe, the purported incident occurred on January 5 at Matebele Farms, following the suspects’ allegations that Mariga had misappropriated 1,500 pula ($110). Officials reported that the nine individuals restrained Mariga, assaulted him with sticks, and inflicted severe trauma to his genitals until he became unconscious. The incident was purportedly captured on video. Mariga was declared deceased upon reaching the hospital.
Prosecutor seeks custody due to case severity
In light of the severity of the assault, Prosecutor Mmoloki Selofera has urged that the suspects be held in detention.
“The defendant ought not to be afforded bail, given that this is a matter of recent origin.” “We are currently awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination, the forensic affidavit, and the photographic evidence,” Selofera stated.
The defendants, all employed as farmworkers at Matebele Farms, did not contest the state’s petition when queried by Magistrate Goratile Moremi-Ramakoloi. The magistrate decreed that they shall remain in custody until their forthcoming court appearance on February 13.
The matter remains in progress.
