The president of the newly-formed Viva Zimbabwe political party, William Gerald Mutumanje, popularly known as Acie Lumumba, was yesterday released on $400 bail when he appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court under heavy police guard after handing himself to the police on Monday.
BY MARY TARUVINGA
Lumumba’s arrest followed his utterances allegedly denigrating and insulting President Robert Mugabe, while announcing the formation of his political party last week.
The former Zanu PF activist was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe, who granted him bail and remanded him to July 15.
As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to report to the police and surrender his travel documents.
The State had opposed bail for Lumumba, arguing he was facing a very serious offence and was likely to be convicted.
Investigating officer, Detective Assistant Inspector Ivan Njanike, was called to buttress the State’s position and he told court that Lumumba was responsible for the ongoing countrywide protests.
“Following his utterances, there were demonstrations and chances are that if released, he (Lumumba) will join the protesters and the country will be at risk,” he said.
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Njanike further told the court the State feared for Lumumba’s safety, as his utterances offended other members of the public.
However, Chikwekwe said it was not logical to say his life was in danger if he had powers to initiate the ongoing strike.
“If he caused demonstrations and being that powerful, how then is he at risk?” he asked, to which Njanike responded that it was not everyone who was baying for his blood.
The officer also told the court that Lumumba was a flight risk, as he once lived in the United States, United Kingdom and South Africa.
“He was not aware of the gravity of his offence until I recorded the warned-and-cautioned statement from him. According to my investigations, there is overwhelming evidence and chances are high he will go to prison on conviction,” he said.
But, Lumumba’s lawyer, Ashiel Mugiya said there was no reason to deny his client bail, as he handed himself to the police. He said his client had no previous convictions and was willing to surrender his passport to allay the State’s fears.
During cross-examination, Mugiya asked Njanike if Lumumba, in his address, told Zimbabweans to protest and he replied in the negative.
He then asked him why the State was holding him accountable and he failed to respond.
Mugiya said the State must only deny bail if it had evidence to support its fears.
“Do you know that this is a finable offence? Do you have an example of anyone who was convicted and sent to jail for the same offence?” he queried.
According to the State, on June 30 at New Ambassador Hotel, Lumumba was quoted saying: “Mr President Robert Gabriel Mugabe f***you, I am drawing the red line, our kids are in trouble so it’s a red line, it’s a red line. I know. I know and my name is Lumumba, Lumumba, Lumumba,” thereby undermining the President’s authority.
Oscar Madhume appeared for the State.
Meanwhile, a sombre atmosphere engulfed the court when 105 alleged protesters, arrested for inciting public violence, arrived with Lumumba with some badly injured, and others unable to walk and being supported by fellow suspects, with their clothes torn and covered in blood.
