Godwin Gomwe
Court Reporter
Suspended ZANU-PF Harare Province youth league chairperson Godwin Gomwe yesterday told the court that a woman accusing him of criminal insult was only trying to smear his bright political career.
Gomwe (34), through his lawyer Mr John Ndomene, sent the gallery into fits of laughter when he said he never labelled the woman a “gamatox” because the only “gamatox” he knows is a pesticide.
“Gamatox” is a term used to refer to members of a putschist cabal linked to ousted former Vice President Joice Mujuru, who was accused of plotting to illegally remove President Mugabe from power.
He pleaded not guilty to criminal insult and contravening the Postal and Telecommunications Act charges when his trial started yesterday.
The first witness, Winnie Madekufamba, broke down while narrating how Gomwe allegedly humiliated her.
“I was hurt that he labelled me a ‘gamatox’ considering the sacrifices I made during the liberation struggle. I love my President,” she said through sobs.
Harare magistrate Mr Takunda Mutetwa asked Madekufamba to compose herself.
“At the mention that I was a ‘gamatox’, people started shoving and pushing me,” she narrated.
“The following day Gomwe summoned the Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators Association (ZILIWACA) and Zimbabwe Liberation War Collaborators Organisation (ZILIWACO) members.
“He ordered ZILIWACO chairperson Cde Pupurayi Togarepi to address people snubbing ZILIWACA.
“I asked how he dare give orders to freedom fighters and this irked him. He started shouting at me saying I am a witch, ‘gamatox’ and that he will have sexual intercourse with me and my goblins until we feel dizzy.”
She added that she wrote several letters to undisclosed Government officials outlining the incident and copied another to Gomwe.
During cross examination, Mr Ndomene asked what “gamatox” was because the one he and his client knew was a pesticide.
“Gamatox was explained to me as people who wanted to topple President Mugabe. We are not talking about vegetables and gardens here. It is clear you have no knowledge of the party,” replied Madekufamba making the gallery roar in laughter.
“You only want to smear his bright political career?” asked Mr Ndomene.
In response, Madekufamba said freedom fighters don’t take instructions from Gomwe or youths but from Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa.
Gomwe is accused of insulting Madekufamba (52) on December 5, last year, during the zanu-pf 6TH National People’s Congress.