VICTORIA FALLS — The trial of prominent activist Esau Ncube, who is charged with fanning tribal hatred, was on Tuesday postponed to April 5 at the request of his Bulawayo-based lawyer who could not attend the proccedings.
The lawyer, Matshobana Ncube, confirmed the postponement yesterday.
The activist had pleaded not guilty to the charges when he appeared before Victoria Falls resident magistrate Sharon Rosemani.
He is being accused of making derogatory remarks against Shona people, allegedly accusing them of landing better jobs ahead of locals staying in the resort town.
It is alleged Esau, a coordinator of Uluntu Ciisi Trust, made the remarks during a protest march he organised on November 17, 2010.
Esau allegedly told a meeting that Elephant Hills and Victoria Falls hotels should be called “Mashonaland hotels” because of the large number of Shona people they had on their payroll.
The activist has since denied the charge, claiming it was fabricated to persecute him.
