War Vets spokesperson, Douglas Mahiya is being charged with undermining the authority of or insulting President Robert Mugabe after he is said to have authored a damning communiqué, which accused the Zimbabwean leader of dictatorial tendencies and further said war veterans had withdrawn their support for the veteran leader.
Newsflash: Presiding Magistrate has ordered the release of the accused citing that an appeal made by State does not suspend his ruling.13:29 Female war veterans openly wail in court after news of the arrest. State bail opposing ruling to be delivered at 3 pm.
13:26 He has been taken to Harare Central police station accompanied by Lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa and head of CID Law and Order section, Chrispen Makedenge.
13:23 ZIMBABWE Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) secretary –general, Victor Matemadanda has been arrested. Reports from our people at the court says the charge is that of undermining the authority of the president.
12:20 As Mujuru acts there is a chorus of approval from supporters who call her the mother of the nation. “Amai vedu” they shout. MDC-T’s Job Sikala is also at the court.
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12:18 War Vets chairman, Chris Mutsvangwa has arrived at the court as the spirit medium faints and is being helped by other war veterans.
12:17 State makes an application bail order to be suspended for 48 hours. Court to make a consideration.
12:10 PM Before the $300 bail was granted the court has a share of extraordinary moments. A spirit medium in a trance was held by Mujuru as she collapsed. In a booming voice she had said Mahiya had no case to answer and that the country needed the spokesperson to tell the truth. She added that he was going to be a leader as instructed by the country’s first lawyer, Mbuya Nehanda
12:09 PM BAIL HAS BEEN GRANTED.
CONDITIONS: TO REPORT TWICE A WEEK AT POLICE CID LAW AND ORDER. HE IS INSTRUCTED TO RESIDE AT HIS CHITUNGWIZA HOME.
Mahiya was remanded in custody to today for bail ruling.
[11:36 AM]Court adjourns. Magistrate says certificate from Prosecutor General’s office has arrived so if PPs dont show up in five minutes he will still deliver his ruling in their absence
[11:33 AM] There is pandamonium at the Harare Magistrates court as former VP Joice Mujuru suprised supporters and onlookers by arriving at the court in solidarity with Mahiya. A smiling Mujuru is greeted by Matemadanda as anti-riot police is manning the entrance. A number of people are trickling in but prosecutors Tapiwa Kusena and his colleague nowhere to be seen.
