Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, known for his prominent role in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, was fined US$300 and handed a six-month wholly suspended sentence by Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro. Biti faced charges of assaulting Tatiana Aleshina, a local businesswoman. The magistrate took into account Biti’s status as a diabetic patient and former minister in determining the sentence.
Magistrate Guwuriro acknowledged that Biti, as a legal practitioner and former legislator, should be held to a higher standard of conduct. She emphasized the importance of protecting society and the expectation that Biti would contribute positively to it. While considering Biti’s previous conviction, the magistrate deemed a custodial sentence too harsh and reserved community service for more serious offenders. Furthermore, she noted that Biti attempted, unsuccessfully, to pursue an out-of-court settlement.
During the mitigation phase, Biti expressed his sincere apologies to Aleshina, citing his fear of interfering with an ongoing court case as the reason for not apologizing earlier. He assured the court that the incident would not be repeated, emphasizing his non-violent nature and the disproportionate attention the matter had received.
Biti, a father of five with three children studying abroad, also highlighted his responsibilities towards his elderly mother and his support for orphans and widows in his former constituency.
However, the State, represented by Tafara Chirambira, argued that personal circumstances should not overshadow other relevant factors, including Biti’s previous convictions. Chirambira emphasized the principle of equal protection before the court, stressing that the complainant, Aleshina, deserved the same considerations and rights as Biti. He reminded the court that Biti had been convicted of assault and urged adherence to the law in determining the appropriate sentence.
