Tsvangirai drivers placed off remand

MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai's two drivers, who were arrested four years ago for allegedly driving vehicles fitted with security lights, last week got a reprieve after they were placed off remand and the State was ordered to proceed by way of summons.

According to the Newsday, advocate Chris Mhike, who is representing Tsvangirai's drivers, Clifford Sanyika and Joshua Mhuriyengwe, confirmed the development last Friday.

At their remand appearance before the magistrate at Beitbridge, both accused persons were removed from remand with the State being directed to proceed by way of summons if necessary, after conclusion of the pending High Court review proceedings, he said.

The High Court is yet to conclude the application for review.

Sanyika and Mhuriyengwe were arrested in February 2011 at the Beitbridge border post on their way from South Africa and were charged with contravening Section 29 (1)(10) or alternatively Section 29(3) of Statutory Instrument 154 of 2010 for allegedly driving vehicles fitted with blue beacons, which are a preserve of police vehicles only.

After their arrest, the pair filed for an application for exception to the charges, which Beitbridge magistrate Auxillia Chiwumburu dismissed.