FIVE MDC-T activists who were facing charges of insulting President Robert Mugabe after they waved anti-Mugabe placards during a demonstration in Masvingo last July have been acquitted of the charges.
REPORT BY TATENDA CHITAGU OWN CORRESPONDENT
The MDC-T activists, who include Danmore Chuma, Jaffinos Masora, Blessing Mashava, Tasunungurwa Zumba and Johannes Muzenda were initially charged with holding an illegal demonstration before the charge was altered to undermining the authority of the President, had their case dismissed for lack of evidence.
The State had alleged that the activists carried placards which read “Hand over Mugabe to the Hague for prosecution! An election in his presence is blood! Mugabe leave office now!”
However, Masvingo magistrate Oliver Mudzongachiso threw out the case yesterday and advised the State to proceed by way of summons if new evidence arises.
He also granted an application by the activists’ lawyer Martin Mureri to put them off remand.
In his application, Mureri argued that the State had unlawfully placed his clients on remand.
Several political and civic society activists have been charged with undermining Mugabe’s authority although there has not been a single conviction.
