THE State last Friday withdrew its invocation of Section 121 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act and reduced charges against Sakubva district registrars Donald Musiiwa Denya and Tichafara Musana, accused of corruption and contravening sections of the Electoral Act, after they allegedly registered nine youths as potential voters in their absence. Staff Reporters
The prosecution gave no reasons for the latest decision when the pair appeared in court last Friday.
Both Denya and Musana were released on $50 bail each. Their lawyer Passmore Nyakureba said his clients will return to court next week. Denya remains accused of breaching the Electoral Act while Musana remains accused of bribery.
Prosecutor Janerose Matsikidze said the State withdrew its allegation of criminal abuse of office against Denya, preferring the charge of breaching the Electoral Act. Against Musana, the State dropped a charge of fraud leaving the bribery case.
The State did not say why it withdrew its application of the controversial Section 121, which critics say is often invoked to keep suspects accused of working against Zanu PF behind bars pending appeal.
Denya is accused of having registered nine youths as voters in their absence with Musana accused of acting in connivance.
