Political Reporter
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Glen Norah Member of Parliament, Maureen Kademaunga has been declared a fugitive of the law after failing to appear in court, prompting the magistrate to issue a warrant of arrest against the legislator.
Kademaunga, alongside CCC Councillor Clayd Mashozhera, Noel Munhuwei, and Daudi Jessub, faces serious charges, including three counts of attempted murder and one count of malicious damage to property.
Kademaunga's lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, informed the court yesterday that his client was unwell after returning from Victoria Falls, where she was on parliamentary business.
However, no medical documentation was provided to substantiate her absence, leading Harare regional magistrate, Estere Chivasa, to issue the arrest warrant against the legislator and adjourn the trial to September 16.
Prosecutor Heather Muwokoto detailed the allegations against Kademaunga and her co-accused, stating that they, along with unidentified accomplices, conspired to assault three ZANU PF members.
The victims include ZANU PF aspiring councillor Cyril Nyauchi, ZANU PF Harare Provincial Committee member Artwell Marwa, and Spencer Mudarikwa.
The incident occurred in August last year near Metro Peech wholesalers at the intersection of Boshoff and Seke Roads as the ZANU PF members were returning from distributing food to polling station agents.
The CCC-affiliated suspects reportedly blocked the vehicle carrying the victims using a convoy of cars, including a white Toyota Noah (registration ADI 6448), a pearl Toyota Mark X (registration AFG 4447), a white commuter omnibus, a Honda Fit, and two other vehicles.
They allegedly smashed the windows of the Toyota Spacio vehicle in which the ZANU PF members were travelling.
Political analysts have condemned Kademaunga's actions and urged her to face the legal consequences of her alleged behaviour.
“As a public figure, Kademaunga's defiance of the legal process sets a dangerous precedent. She must answer for her actions in court rather than evade justice. Such behaviour undermines the rule of law and accountability that she, as an elected official, should uphold,” said political analyst Tinashe Munyukwi.
Another analyst, Mercy Mavhunga, echoed the same sentiments, stressing that Kademaunga's failure to appear in court tarnishes her political standing and questions her commitment to lawful conduct.
“It is unacceptable for a sitting Member of Parliament to disregard the judiciary process. Kademaunga must respect the law and face the charges laid against her. Political violence cannot be condoned, regardless of the parties involved,” Mavhunga stated.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with many urging Kademaunga to present herself in court and clear her name.
Her continued absence and the outstanding warrant of arrest highlight the serious nature of the allegations as the legal system seeks accountability for the violent incident.
