Chitungwiza deputy mayor granted bail

Suspended Chitungwiza Deputy Mayor Jabulani Mtunzi, who is facing allegations of inciting protesters who went on a rampage and destroyed Makoni Police Station during protests that rocked the dormitory town last month, has been granted bail.

Mtunzi, who is jointly charged with Richard Mutiti, appeared before Chitungwiza resident magistrate Mr Nyasha Vitorini on charges of inciting public violence yesterday.

The two pleaded not guilty through their lawyer Miss Tinomuda Shoko from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. Mr Vitorini granted the pair $100 bail each, ordered them to report at Makoni Police Station twice a week and not to interfere with witnesses.

The trial commences on Friday. The State led by Mr Tatenda Mukatera alleged that on January 14 at between 10:30 and 11am, Mtunzi, Mutiti and others who are still at large gathered at Unit C junction during the violent protests.

Mtunzi supposedly incited other people who were gathered at the junction to go and burn Makoni Police Station.

"Handei tinopisa police station", he is alleged to have said.

Mr Mukatera added that Mutiti also urged the people gathered to join the demonstrations. The duo was seen by Tawanda Hongoro, who was passing by and he reported the matter to the police on Sunday last week, leading to the arrests.