TWO MDC-T activists who were arrested last month over the death of Police Inspector Petros Mutedza were yesterday released on bail by High Court judge Justice Hlekani Mwayera after the court ruled that the men were not flight risks.
CHARLES LAITON
MDC-T youth chairperson for Glen View South Tarirai Kusotera (36) and his deputy Jackson Mabota (32) were each ordered to pay $500 bail and to report twice a week at CID Law and Order, reside at given address and not to interfere with witnesses, as conditions.
The release of the two came days after the Supreme Court cracked a whip on one of the activists’ lawyers, Charles Kwaramba, over his alleged attack on the judiciary following the dismissal of his bail application for the other 29 MDC-T activists who are currently on trial.
Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku said Kwaramba was lucky to escape without a contempt of court charge given that his remarks over the judiciary did not only scandalise the judge, but were also made while the matter was still before the courts.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the statements ascribed to the applicant (Kwaramba) grossly transgressed the sub judice rule and clearly constitute contempt of court, in that they scandalise the court by ascribing to it political motivation in its judgment,” Chief Justice Chidyausiku said.
Meanwhile, the trial of 29 Glen View MDC-T activists continued yesterday with the investigating officer, Chief Inspector Clever Ntini, being cross-examined by the activists’ lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa.
The trial continues today.
