MDC-T's Komichi denied bail for the 5th time

The fifth attempt by the MDC-T Chief Elections Officer, Morgan Komichi to secure bail failed after High Court judge, Justice Felistus Chatukuta upheld the decision of the lower court.

In denying Komichi bail on Wednesday, Justice Chatukuta upheld the decision by the presiding magistrate, Mr Reuben Mukhavhi, saying the trial magistrate was better placed to determine the issue of bail.

Komichi's legal representative, Mr Alec Muchadehama said he is disappointed by the continued denial of bail for his client.

Muchadehama said he disagrees with the learned judge's view that his client is a flight risk, but he is bound by the courts which know better and have the final say.

He said he is no longer pursuing the issue of bail but will concentrate on his client's trial though he gave more misgivings at the prolonged delay of the case since the prosecutor Mr Michael Mugabe will be away until the resumption of trial on the 15th of October 2013.

Komichi was arrested on allegations of fraud and opening and tampering with a special ballot packet at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) National Command Centre at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) during the harmonised polls in violation of the Electoral Act.