Manyenyeni faces more charges

Harare mayor Bernard Manyenyeni failed to appear in court yesterday because the State is still adding more charges, his lawyer Professor Lovemore Madhuku said.

Addressing journalists at the Harare Magistrate Court, Prof Madhuku said Manyenyeni will appear in court today.

"We are giving State time to add all its charges so that they won't arrest him, release him and re-arrest him again," said Prof Madhuku.

"The additional charges are related to the appointment of the town clerk, James Mushore. Other criminal abuse of office charges are emanating from City of Harare subsidiary companies. Manyenyeni is still at Avondale Police Station."

Prof Madhuku blamed the State for delaying procedures.

"It is just an unjustified pre-appearance punishment. The reason for the delay is because of unfortunate state of minds," said Mr Madhuku.

"It is because of people who think that the powers they have to arrest people can be used for any purpose. That's unfortunate, and unacceptable, but Manyenyeni has a high esteem and is ready to face the crime."

Manyenyeni was arrested on Thursday over criminal abuse of office charges.

He is accused of disregarding procedure in the appointment of Mushore as Harare town clerk.