Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF) economic adviser Paul Siwela, former secretary-general John Gazi and deputy secretary for security Charles Thomas were on Friday further remanded to October 27 amid reports the State was pushing for a trial date.
The three are facing charges of allegedly trying to topple the government through mobilising members of the security forces from Matabeleland to dump government and join MLF, leading to the formation of an independent State.
Their lawyer from Abammeli Human Lawyers for Human Rights, Advocate Lucas Nkomo, confirmed the Attorney-General’s Office in Bulawayo made indications they wanted a trial date in November.
“I am aware that the AG’s Office wrote to the lawyers proposing dates in November for the trial, but no agreement has been reached on any date so far,” said Nkomo.
Siwela, Gazi and Thomas on Friday appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Tawanda Muchemwa and were again not asked to plead to treason.
They are out of custody on $2 000 bail each granted by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Nicholas Ndou on March 24.
The three are facing charges of allegedly distributing fliers calling upon members of the public and security forces to turn against the government and join “Mthwakazi Republic”, a State which they allegedly want to establish after secession from the rest of the country.
They are being represented by Sindiso Shepherd Mazibisa, Matshobana Ncube, Kucaca Phulu and Robert Ndlovu led by Advocate Nkomo while Martha Cheda represents the State.
