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Police intelligence behind activist Masarira arrest

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THE trial of Linda Masarira and 10 others, who are facing charges of obstructing or endangering free movement of persons and traffic, resumed yesterday, with the State witness being questioned by lawyers for failing to explain the role played by each of the suspects.

THE trial of Linda Masarira and 10 others, who are facing charges of obstructing or endangering free movement of persons and traffic, resumed yesterday, with the State witness being questioned by lawyers for failing to explain the role played by each of the suspects.

BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE

court-gavel

Marko Kufangomwe, who is the district police intelligence officer based at Southerton Police Station, told the court that when a team of police officers arrived in Mufakose they found the road blocked with stones, but managed to arrest the suspects.

Defence lawyer, Kudzai Kadzere asked what evidence the police had linking his clients to the offence since when they arrived they found the road already closed.

The officer indicated that he did not see any of the suspects blocking the road neither had he any knowledge of who put the stones on the road.

Kadzere asked for Kufangomwe’s job description, to which he said it involved co-ordinating other intelligence officers from his office.

Asked why he was in Mufakose on the day in question Kufangomwe said it was due to manpower shortages. Mbare magistrate Stanley Mambanje remanded the matter to August 31 for continuation of trial on which date two other police intelligence officers will be expected to give evidence.

Masarira has been in custody for over a month while her other 10 co-accused Tongai Makamba, Tawanda Magaya, Delight Bhunu, Tinotenda Chitengu, Evans Watukwa, Trymore Zvinoitavanhu, Livingkind Muzengerere, Frank Kudakwashe, Mathius Gonye and Tafadzwa Chitiza are out of custody on $100 bail each.