CCC Vice President Tendai Biti Fined US$300 for Verbally Assaulting Russian Businesswoman
The Vice President of the CCC, Tendai Biti, has been fined US$300 by Harare Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti for verbally assaulting Russian businesswoman Tatiana Aleshina in 2020.
Verbal Assault and Guilty Verdict
Biti was found guilty of directing abusive language towards Aleshina during the incident, referring to her as a “very stupid, stupid stupid idiot.”
Magistrate Muchuchuti expressed concern over Biti’s inability to manage his emotions and raised the possibility of him repeating such behavior in the future.
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Incident Details and Trial Proceedings
The charges stem from an incident that occurred at Harare Magistrates Court on November 30th, 2020. Biti, representing George Katsimberis in the S V George Katsimberis fraud case, shouted at state witness Tatiana Aleshina.
Biti allegedly charged at Aleshina, pointing his finger and shouting at her, using derogatory language. The case was brought to court on December 8th, 2020, and Biti was initially remanded for assault. The judgement was delivered on Monday.
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Lengthy Trial Proceedings and Multiple Applications
The trial faced delays as Biti made numerous interlocutory applications during the proceedings. He filed three applications requesting the recusal of Prosecutor Michael Reza. He also made additional applications seeking the recusal of the Magistrate.
Biti also approached the High Court multiple times in an attempt to overturn court rulings. These applications prolonged the trial, although they are permissible under the law.
Rights Assertion and Appellate Options
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) acknowledged Biti’s right to assert his legal rights through applications to the Magistrate and subsequent reviews in the High Court.
The NPA explained that if Biti remained dissatisfied with the High Court’s decision, he could further appeal to the Supreme Court.