MDC-T MP, activists' trial takes a new twist

The trial of Highfield East MP Erick Murai (MDC-T) and 13 others, arrested last November on charges of public violence, took a new twist yesterday, after the defence lawyer accused the investigating officer, Chenjerai Mugomba, of misrepresenting facts under oath.

Tonderai Bhatasara accused Mugomba of lying after he gave a conflicting account from the one given by the first State witness, Obey Muzivi, last week.

Muzivi initially told the court, when the police arrived at the scene of the incident on the day in question, their leader, Inspector Chimombe, spoke to one man, who appeared to be the leader at the gathering.

Muzivi had also said 20 police officers attended the scene and that the police only started throwing teargas canisters after arresting 13 MDC-T party members.