HARARE, Mar. 11 (NewsDay Live) – Ten war veterans arrested last year for allegedly participating in the One Million Men March called by the late Blessed Runesu Geza against the Head of State and Government have been granted US$200 bail on changed circumstances.
Rose Chirenje (65), Nyarai Chigudu (52), Kenesia Jera (62), Edward Mandikutse (69), Dexter Jena (69), Hazvinei Machingura (69), Stephen Chagwiza (48), Jacob Masaraure (75), Mapengo Mapengo (57) and Joephrey Chigwerewe (70) appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai.
Prosecutors allege the group participated in an unsanctioned public gathering intended to incite violence.
The State says that on October 17 last year the accused connived to mobilise members of the public to join the planned demonstration called by Geza against President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, whom he accused of aligning with “Zvigananda” (criminal saboteurs).
Court papers say the accused failed to notify police of their intention to demonstrate.
The State alleges they gathered at the corner of George Silundika Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street near Africa Unity Square intending to participate in the march.
Detectives from the CID Law and Order section in Harare allegedly moved in after receiving information about the gathering and arrested the war veterans.
Police later received further information that other suspects were hiding in a Toyota Probox parked at the corner of Sixth Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Harare, leading to their arrest.
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Investigators say the suspects indicated they had been transported from Marondera through an organised conveyance whose details they could not disclose.
The court heard that the accused had no lawful authority to participate in the public gathering.
