Human rights activist Mukoko hands self to cops

By The NewsDay | Mar. 9, 2013 | 2 Min read

ZIMBABWE Peace Project (ZPP) coordinator Jestina Mukoko yesterday handed herself over to police at Harare Central Police Station in the morning where she was charged before being released later in the day.

REPORT BY FELUNA NLEYA

Mukoko’s lawyer Tawanda Zhuwarara confirmed the latest development.

“A warned and cautioned statement was recorded in which Mukoko denied all the charges and explained to the police that none of ZPP’s activities were in any way illegal,” said Zhuwarara.

Mukoko was charged with a count of contravening the Private Voluntary Organisation Act and another of contravening the Broadcasting Services Act.

Her lawyers, however, expressed shock at recent police reports claiming their client had been on the run.

The remarks by the lawyers followed Thursday’s comment by police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri who said Mukoko could not be located as police were eager to interview her over her organisation’s operations.

The human rights defender went to the police station in the company of her other lawyers Beatrice Mtetwa, Harrison Nkomo, Tonderai Bhatasara and Tarisai Mutangi.

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“As the legal team, we were surprised to learn that she was characterised as a fugitive from justice. Her lawyers were in constant touch with police from the Law and Order at Harare Central Police Station and there was clear communication to the effect that she would avail herself whenever the police sought to interview her,” Zhuwarara said.

“It therefore came as a surprise that she was on the run when they knew exactly where she was and the lawyers knew where she was.”

Mukoko was released into the custody of her lawyers after being interrogated and the police indicated they would advise the lawyers of further actions after assessing the docket.

Police recently raided ZPP offices and confiscated data gadgets which include cellphones and computer hard drives