Wilstaf Sitemere, the MDC provincial chairperson was yesterday acquitted of assault charges by a Masvingo magistrate. Sitemere appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Timeon Makunde facing false charges of assault and housebreaking.

The state was alleging that on November 3 last year, Sitemere went to Plot Number 13 Crescent Drive in Morningside, Masvingo where the complainant, Nyasha Hapanyengwi resides. While at the plot, the State alleged Sitemere used an unknown object to break into Hapanyengwi’s house and assaulted the complainant with a machete on the face and at the back.

However, Magistrate Makunde said the State had failed to come up with substantive evidence to prosecute Sitemere. “The accused has been discharged following the failure by the State to come up with substantive evidence against the accused. Further reasons for the discharge shall in due course be divulged. Therefore, the accused has been acquitted,” said the magistrate.

The state was represented by prosecutor, Moreblessing Rusere while Sitemere was represented by Martin Mureri of Matutu, Kwirira and Associates.

Mureri yesterday said he was elated with Sitemere’s acquittal adding the discharge was a reflection of true democracy. Sitemere said his political foes were keen to persecute and prosecute him using false charges.

“What started as a simple matter ballooned into a web of complexities following the politicisation of the matter by members of the Central Intelligence Organisation.  I am happy because I am now a free man.

“They have been trailing me for a long time. The police and other State security agents are working tirelessly to torment known MDC supporters across the province that is why there are so many arbitrary arrests.  It is very disappointing but they are definitely not going to win,” said Sitemere.

The people’s struggle for real change – Lets finish it!!!