Mujuru ally's bid to delay trial flops

The High Court has dismissed an application by Mashonaland Central Minister of State, Advocate Martin Dinha seeking a postponement of trial to necessitate him to pursue the declassification of certain documents which are protected under the Official Secrets Act.

Justice Happious Zhou found that it is Advocate Dinha's responsibility to prepare his defence upon his indictment at least three days before trial.

He said when Advocate Dinha was indicted sometime in August 2015, there was ample time for him to access the said documents and making necessary arrangements to use them in his defence.

The judge postponed the matter to the 23rd of November where it is expected to officially commence.

Advocate Dinha faces charges of extorting from Guy Frank Dollar, a tobacco farmer, US$60 000 to protect him from eviction and laundering US$40 000.