KEY POINTS
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ZNA soldiers charged with murder following a brutal assault.
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The assault happened after the victim failed to show military ID.
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The trial raises concerns about Zimbabwe National Army discipline.
After viciously attacking a fellow soldier who subsequently passed away, two Zimbabwe National Army troops are being charged with murder in Masvingo High Court. On April 28, 2024, an attack took place at MDD Nightclub, which is close to Mpandawana Growth Point.
Assault and murder charges after soldier attack
Simbarashe Albert Gama, a soldier based in Harare, was allegedly beaten by Prosper Ncube, 35, and Innocent Mazvuru, 36, both of Infantry 4/2 Brigade in Gutu. According to court documents, the assault left Gama unconscious and occurred at around three in the morning.
When the soldiers asked Gama to show his military identification during the incident, he refused, so the accused tied him up with a shoelace.
Before leaving the nightclub, the troops took a cellphone and US$45 from Gama’s pocket after the attack. According to reports, Ncube fled that evening to go drinking.
Tensions at the club reportedly increased when Gama refused to present his Zimbabwe National Army identity card, leading Mazvuru and Ncube to confront him.
Soldiers ordered witnesses, including barman Cephas Mudyiwa and patron Hardlife Maheya, to refrain from interfering with the attack.
After receiving a report, Tapera Mbizvo of the Military Police looked into the matter and discovered Gama unconscious. He hurried Gama to the clinic at 4/2 Camp Battalion first.
Gama passed away in Josiah Magama Army Hospital two weeks after the attack, but he was later moved to Gutu Mission Hospital for additional care.
Ongoing trial of ZNA soldiers charged with murder
The Masvingo High Court is hearing the case before Justice Helena Charewa. Omen Mafa of Mutendi, Mudisi, and Shumba Legal Practitioners is Mazvuru’s attorney.
According to Bulawayo24, military forces have been involved in violent incidents in Mpandawana in the past. Concerns regarding behavior and discipline within the Zimbabwe National Army are brought up by this instance.
The trial is still ongoing as the court investigates the alleged acts of the troops and the circumstances surrounding Simbarashe Gama’s untimely death.
