Coltart files police report against Zanu PF official after assault, phone grab drama
Rights lawyer was also slapped and glasses broken amid torrents of racial abuse
By Staff Reporter
Douglas Coltart has filed a police report against Zanu PF central committee member Luckmore Tinashe Gapa who was filmed on Tuesday snatching the prominent human rights lawyer’s mobile phone during chaotic scenes that marred a public hearing for Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 at the Harare City Sports Centre, Harare.
Coltart also filed criminal charges against Nicholas Hamadziripi, seen slapping him at the venue.
Viral images shared on social media show the lawyer being shoved and slapped as he tried to exit the complex amid the fiasco.
He was among critics of the bill who were forced to walk out in protest over intimidation and denial of opportunity to speak by conveners of the meeting.
The outspoken son to Bulawayo mayor and former cabinet minister David Coltart, was also subjected to torrents of racist abuse by some rogue Zanu PF supporters fiercely supporting constitutional amendments anchored on extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office by two more years.
Coltart later posted on his X handle, “Thank you so much for all the love, solidarity and prayers. I am very well this morning! A little sore from the bruises and abrasions but more fired up to fearlessly serve the God who stands with the oppressed than before. (And chuffed with my stylish new glasses accessory!”
Coltart was among throngs of both Zanu PF and opposition activists who attended the hearing with scenes of thuggery taking root.
Top opposition politicians who include former minister Tendai Biti were seen being escorted to their cars by their followers amid the stampede.
