A Harare City Council employee has been arrested on allegations of defacing a sign on Robert Mugabe road during demonstrations over electoral reforms two weeks ago.
BY MARY TARUVINGA
Spencer Mhako (31) appeared before magistrate Vongai Guriro facing public violence charges.
He was remanded in custody to today after he made an application for referral of his case to the Constitutional Court.
Mhako argued that he was not informed of the charges against him upon arrest, adding that the arresting police officers did not identify themselves when they apprehended him.
According to the State, on August 26, Mhako teamed up with his alleged accomplices already on remand and also others who are still on the run.
The State alleges that they gathered at an open space between Interpol offices and Rainbow Towers Hotel for a meeting.
They then allegedly conspired to go to the central business district where they vandalised vending stalls, and stoned police and ZBC vehicles.
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The state alleges that Mhako also vandalised shops, looted various clothing items and groceries before he defaced a road sign inscribed Robert Mugabe road at corner Rotten Row and Robert Mugabe road.
Prosecutor Progress Maringamoyo said Mhako was captured on camera at the scene of the offence while committing the crime.
He was arrested at the city council’s Hatfield district office after the police received a tip-off.
The value of the property he allegedly vandalised is still to be ascertained.
Guriro is expected to hand down her ruling on the Constitutional Court application today.
