Former Zanu-PF Chairperson Dickson Mafios Jailed 2 Years For Inciting Violence During Shutdown Protests

Former Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central Chairperson, Dickson Mafios was sentenced 2 years in prison for incitement of violence in Bindura.

10 months were however suspended on condition he does not commit a similar offence within five years. Mafios will serve an effective 14 months in prison. Mafios, who was represented by Graciano Manyurureni made a plea for community service on medical grounds and the plea was considered in the suspended sentence.

Prosecutor Carol Mupazviriwo told the court that on the 15th of this month, Mafios arrived  at Club 10, Chiwaridzo Shopping Centre and challenged people to stand up, burn and destroy property in solidarity with Harare and proceed with a total shutdown. Mafios allegedly made demeaning remarks about President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ascendancy. In his defence, Mafios said he retired from politics, arguing that the allegations were a fabrication by former colleagues meant to settle political scores. However, the court found Mafios guilty considering his convenience to the place of the offence and found out that the remarks resonated with events which prevailed in other parts of Zimbabwe. The court also took into consideration that Mafios is not a first offender.