THERE were wild celebrations yesterday at the Harare Magistrates’ Court following the release of Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) spokesperson Douglas Mahiya on $300 bail.
BY MARY TARUVINGA/DESMOND CHINGARANDE
The excitement was, however, cut short as police pounced on the association’s secretary-general Victor Matemadanda and arrested him amid reports that
ZNLWVA political commissar Francis Nhando later handed himself over at Harare Central Police Station.
Mahiya was arrested last week for allegedly undermining President Robert Mugabe’s authority.
His arrest was part of a crackdown on the leadership of the former freedom fighters following the release of a damning communiqué three weeks ago urging Mugabe to leave office.
The State had tried to block Mahiya’s release in the morning with prosecutor Tapiwa Kasema invoking the amended Section 121 of Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, challenging a bail order granted by magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe.
However, Chikwekwe ruled that his ruling was final as the State would suffer no prejudice if Mahiya were released.
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Earlier, the State had argued Mahiya’s life could be in danger from both the police and unnamed people if he was granted bail. It was also argued Mahiya could interfere with investigations.
However, Chikwekwe dismissed the State’s submission as weak.
“State alleged that the accused committed the crime since April 27 until the date of his arrest last week. All this time, the accused was not in custody and we have not heard that he had any clashes with the police or anyone during the period.
What is important is if the accused will be able to stand his trial and court has found the accused a suitable candidate for bail,” the magistrate said as he remanded Mahiya to August 12.
Human rights lawyer Harrison Nkomo represented Mahiya.
Matemadanda, who was reportedly due to hand over himself to the police, was picked as he left the courtroom and whisked to Harare Central Police Station with human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa in tow.
