Arrested Zanu-PF chairman attempts suicide by taking rat poison

Zanu-PF Harare provincial youth chairman Godwin Gomwe attempted to shoot himself when he heard that police were after him in connection with a case in which he and other party officials allegedly extorted over $46 000 from eight housing co-operatives in Glen View using the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe's name.

After he was disarmed by an army officer who swept to his rescue, Gomwe later reportedly attempted to end his life by taking rat poison, the court heard yesterday during his bail application.

Gomwe (34) is jointly charged with six other party officials - Muchineripi Mupindu, alias Ginya (36), Fidelis Ndaradza, alias Brigadier (32), Haruwandi Munyawiri, alias Baya (46), Hamphrey Madenyika (29), Josephine Hadziindi (59) and Norah Toronga (38).

Harare provincial magistrate Mr Vakayi Chikwewe rolled over the matter to today for bail ruling.

In opposing bail, the prosecutor Mr Michael Reza, with the assistance of Miss Sharon Mashavira, said if convicted, the gang faced up to 15 years each in prison, a sentence which could induce them to abscond.

However, Gomwe, through his lawyer, Mr John Ndomene, argued he was a proper candidate for bail.

He denied being arrested after a trap was set, saying that he in fact handed himself over to the police. Gomwe also refuted State allegations that he attempted to commit suicide. Mr Ndomene said the State had failed to prove that it was Gomwe and his alleged accomplices who created the receipts inscribed "Amai Dr Grace Mugabe".