A Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) supporter from Magunje is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing another bar patron who had confronted and assaulted him for wearing a CCC T-shirt.
Knowledge Kumbweya (42) appeared in court, where he was remanded in custody until May 19 and advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
According to prosecutors, on May 4 Kumbweya arrived at a bar wearing a yellow CCC T-shirt with a portrait of CCC leader Nelson Chamisa. This angered another patron, Thando Mugoni, who confronted Kumbweya for wearing opposition party regalia.
A physical altercation broke out between the two men and others joined in assaulting Kumbweya with fists, feet and beer bottles. Kumbweya sustained an ear laceration in the attack.
During the fracas, Kumbweya allegedly drew an okapi knife and stabbed Mugoni once in the chest, causing a deep wound. Kumbweya was disarmed and detained while Mugoni was rushed to hospital.
Mugoni was transferred to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital where his condition is reportedly critical.
Kumbweya claimed he acted in self-defense after being attacked for wearing the CCC shirt. However, prosecutors charged him with attempting to kill Mugoni.
The case highlights the polarized political climate in Zimbabwe, where simply wearing opposition party attire can provoke aggression and violence. While Kumbweya may claim to have been acting in self-defense, his actions allegedly caused grave injury to another person.
