Zanu-PF chairman denied bail

Zanu PF Harare province youth chairman Godwin Gomwe and six other party officials facing extortion charges have been denied bail by Harare provincial magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe.

The matter was remanded to the 17th of June for commencement of trial.

The six are Muchineripi Mupindu, Fidelis Ndaradza, Haruwandi Munyawiri, Josephine Hadziendi, Norah Torongo and Humfrey Madenyika.

Before the passing of the ruling prosecutor Michael Reza brought to the attention of the magistrate satchets of rat poison and a revolver as exhibit to the Gomwe suicide attempt evidence.

The magistrate warned him that it was unprocedural to produce other exhibits on the day of ruling.

In denying bail application provincial magistrate Chikwekwe said the court fears the accused may abscond the trial given the gravity of their offence, the likelihood of committing other offences and tampering with investigations.

Previously the accused had defied a High Court order by Justice Bere and proceeded to assault the complainants in that matter.

Magistrate Chikwekwe said the contempt of Justice Bere's order shows that the accused will not be given another opportunity to commute from home.

He further said the number of cases reported to the police stations against the accused was a clear testimony that they will commit other offences if released.