Tsvangirai's supporters bay for the prosecutor's blood

MDC-T supporters yesterday caused a stir at the Harare Magistrates Courts, baying for the prosecutor's blood after she revoked bail granted to party MP for Harare, Ronia Bunjira and six others.

Prosecutor Ms Barbra Ndoro had to be whisked away using the back door to the chambers after a mob gathered at the courtroom entrance waiting for her to step outside.

The crowd was shouting at Ms Ndoro, calling her names and accusing her of causing the continued detention of their colleagues.

"Uneutsinye (you are cruel), buda imomo takakumirira panze (we are waiting for you)," they shouted words, some of them unprintable.

Bunjira (49) who got into Parliament through proportional representation is jointly charged with Stanley Manyenga (32), Keith Charumbira who is a pastor, Danmore Tshuma (34), Stewart Gwebe (24), Linnete Chibinya (30) and Bridget Nyandoro (29).

The seven are facing allegations of attacking police officers with stones after they tried to stop their unsanctioned demonstration recently.

It is alleged that Bunjira together with 40 other party activists, obstructed free movement of people and traffic as they demonstrated holding placards.

Harare provincial magistrate Mr Vakayi Chikwekwe, granted the seven US$300 bail each.

"The accused are not a danger to the society, there were a few skirmishes and the accused were quickly dispensed by police officers. No reason given by the State that the accused harbours the thought of committing further offences. The seriousness of the offence does not hold on its own, it has to be supported by other facts. Murder is a serious offence than this one, therefore, the accused are proper candidates for bail," he said.

Mr Chikwekwe's words were greeted by thunderous clapping and cheering from the packed gallery.

However, this was short-lived when Ms Ndoro stood up and invoked section 121 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act before remanding the seven in custody to September 2. The section allows the State to hold suspects for a week while it considers appealing.

The livid crowd waited for Ms Ndoro outside the courtroom for unspecified action against her decision. After realising that the prosecutor had found another way out of the courtroom, the crowd gathered outside the court premises pondering the way forward.

While the police, who had called for reinforcement, tried to disperse them again they broke into song, accusing the police of starting a war. "Ndimi mega mapurisa matanga kudenha hondo" and they also danced to another song insinuating that they do not take orders from mentally challenged persons (hatidi kupihwa order nemasaskamu).

It is alleged that on August 18 at around 11am, MDC-T supporters gathered at Harvest house with intentions to carry out a demonstration. Their placards, the court heard, were written "we demand our jobs now" "We want our jobs now" and "Release our leader."

The group marched from Harvest house, their party's headquarters going around town before they were stopped by police officers at the intersection of Jason Moyo and Julius Nyerere streets. Without being provoked, it is alleged the group started attacking the police officers with stones, leading to one of the police officers sustaining injuries on his face and back.