Man Only Speaks Tswana: Epworth Resident Arrested After Disrupting Mnangagwa’s Rally
A 26-year-old man caused a stir at a recent rally in Epworth when he attempted to confront President Mnangagwa. Masimba Craig Maganira was tackled and dragged away by security personnel after walking briskly towards the stage where the president was standing. Maganira, an Epworth resident, was charged with disorderly conduct and also had a small amount of cannabis found in his pocket. However, Maganira refused to speak in court and requested a Tswana interpreter, insisting that it was the only language he spoke.
The Incident
Zimlive reports that during the rally, President Mnangagwa was in the middle of his speech in Epworth, where he was giving out title deeds to locals. Maganira was seen walking towards the stage where the president was standing. However, one of the president’s security aides approached him and dragged him away from the VIP tent to a secluded area. The incident was recorded on a mobile phone video.
The Charges
According to court papers, “Whilst the president was addressing the gathering, Maganira forced his way past the security detail and headed towards the podium where the president was standing. He was then intercepted by security personnel and became riotous leading to his arrest.” The papers do not disclose why Maganira tried to approach Mnangagwa. Prosecutors have also charged him with illegal possession of a dangerous drug after 0,06 grams of cannabis were found in one of his pockets.
Epworth Man’s Response
Despite signing a warned and cautioned statement in English, Maganira refused to speak in court and requested a Tswana interpreter, insisting that it was the only language he spoke. Maganira was remanded in custody to May 7 after requesting a Tswana interpreter.
In conclusion, Maganira’s attempted confrontation of President Mnangagwa at a recent rally in Epworth resulted in charges of disorderly conduct and illegal possession of a dangerous drug. Maganira refused to speak in court and requested a Tswana interpreter, insisting that it was the only language he spoke.