News / National
MDC-T official accused of insulting Mugabe, gets bail
15 May 2013 at 22:47hrs | Views
The High Court has confirmed the decision of a Bindura magistrate to grant US$100 bail to MDC-T youth leader Solomon Madzore who is being accused of insulting President Robert Mugabe.
Madzore is accused of insulting the President describing him as 'a limping donkey' who is making it
difficult for Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to rule properly in the inclusive Government.
Magistrate Mr Elisha Singano recently granted Madzore bail but he remained in custody after the Attorney General's Office appealed against the decision.
Yesterday, Justice Felistus Chatukuta threw out the State's appeal without hearing arguments from Madzore's lawyers. The judge held that the magistrate's decision was proper under the circumstances and that the State failed to substantiate its claims that Madzore was likely to interfere with witnesses.
Law officer Mrs Sharon Fero could not take her arguments further as the grounds of opposing bail fell when Justice Chatukuta quizzed her on their strength.
"The court a quo did not err in concluding that the respondent should be released on bail. The appeal is hereby dismissed," ruled Justice Chatukuta.
After the ruling, Madzore's lawyer Mr Charles Kwaramba of Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni said his client was now entitled to release from custody.
"The application by the State has been dismissed and Madzore is now entitled to pay bail and be released. We anticipate that by end of the day he will be out of prison," said Mr Kwaramba.
Madzore is facing another charge of murdering a police inspector in another case in which he is being jointly charged with 28 other MDC-T activists.
Madzore is accused of insulting the President describing him as 'a limping donkey' who is making it
difficult for Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to rule properly in the inclusive Government.
Magistrate Mr Elisha Singano recently granted Madzore bail but he remained in custody after the Attorney General's Office appealed against the decision.
Yesterday, Justice Felistus Chatukuta threw out the State's appeal without hearing arguments from Madzore's lawyers. The judge held that the magistrate's decision was proper under the circumstances and that the State failed to substantiate its claims that Madzore was likely to interfere with witnesses.
Law officer Mrs Sharon Fero could not take her arguments further as the grounds of opposing bail fell when Justice Chatukuta quizzed her on their strength.
"The court a quo did not err in concluding that the respondent should be released on bail. The appeal is hereby dismissed," ruled Justice Chatukuta.
After the ruling, Madzore's lawyer Mr Charles Kwaramba of Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni said his client was now entitled to release from custody.
"The application by the State has been dismissed and Madzore is now entitled to pay bail and be released. We anticipate that by end of the day he will be out of prison," said Mr Kwaramba.
Madzore is facing another charge of murdering a police inspector in another case in which he is being jointly charged with 28 other MDC-T activists.
Source - Zimpapers
