News / National
Tsvangirai's aides granted bail
27 Mar 2013 at 16:46hrs | Views
Four aides of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai were freed on bail on Wednesday, more than a week after their arrest drew criticism of President Robert Mugabe's security forces in an election year.
The four, along with prominent human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, had been arrested for breaching official secrets law.
Critics accuse Mugabe of using state security to intimidate and crack down on opponents. The 89-year-old leader, who has ruled the southern African nation since independence from Britain in 1980, denies the allegations.
The detentions came a day after Zimbabweans overwhelmingly voted for a new constitution that seeks to curb the presidency and expand civil liberties.
"I am of the firm view that granting bail with strict conditions will meet the justice of this case," High Court Judge Chinembiri Bhunu said when overturning last week's decision by a lower court to deny the four bail.
The bail for the four was set at $500. Mtetwa was granted bail for the same amount on Monday.
Last week, Provincial Magistrate, Marehwanazvo Gofa denied the MDC-T officials bail after she ruled that the accused are facing a serious offence and there is a possibility that they will interfere with state witnesses as the police are still carrying out investigations.
The State alleges that Mpofu, Dumba, Matsinde and Tshuma were found in possession of various incriminating documents with information alleging that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Attorney General have allegedly failed to investigate cases of corruption involving prominent government officials.
The state, represented by Mr Michael Reza, had argued that the four are facing a serious offence and if granted bail they may abscond.
The state argues that the four have no legal authority to investigate and compile dockets as they are not registered investigators.
It is further alleged that their intention was to discredit the judicial system.
Laptops and documents containing information of the alleged corrupt activities by government officials were found at Number 14 Baths Road in Belgravia.
Blank letter heads purported to be from the Attorney General's office were discovered from the accused persons' offices.
Mpofu is also facing another separate charge of illegal possession of a fire arm.
The four, along with prominent human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, had been arrested for breaching official secrets law.
Critics accuse Mugabe of using state security to intimidate and crack down on opponents. The 89-year-old leader, who has ruled the southern African nation since independence from Britain in 1980, denies the allegations.
The detentions came a day after Zimbabweans overwhelmingly voted for a new constitution that seeks to curb the presidency and expand civil liberties.
"I am of the firm view that granting bail with strict conditions will meet the justice of this case," High Court Judge Chinembiri Bhunu said when overturning last week's decision by a lower court to deny the four bail.
The bail for the four was set at $500. Mtetwa was granted bail for the same amount on Monday.
Last week, Provincial Magistrate, Marehwanazvo Gofa denied the MDC-T officials bail after she ruled that the accused are facing a serious offence and there is a possibility that they will interfere with state witnesses as the police are still carrying out investigations.
The State alleges that Mpofu, Dumba, Matsinde and Tshuma were found in possession of various incriminating documents with information alleging that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Attorney General have allegedly failed to investigate cases of corruption involving prominent government officials.
The state, represented by Mr Michael Reza, had argued that the four are facing a serious offence and if granted bail they may abscond.
The state argues that the four have no legal authority to investigate and compile dockets as they are not registered investigators.
It is further alleged that their intention was to discredit the judicial system.
Laptops and documents containing information of the alleged corrupt activities by government officials were found at Number 14 Baths Road in Belgravia.
Blank letter heads purported to be from the Attorney General's office were discovered from the accused persons' offices.
Mpofu is also facing another separate charge of illegal possession of a fire arm.
Source - Reuters
