News / National
Mujuru's right-hand man spends weekend behind bars
20 Nov 2011 at 07:18hrs | Views
THE two Africom Holdings top officials who are facing espionage charges after they allegedly installed satellite communication equipment illegally and leaked official secrets to foreign countries will spend this weekend in remand prison after the Harare Magistrates' Court failed to convene a bail hearing yesterday.
Reasons for the deferment of the hearing could not be ascertained by late yesterday afternoon.
Acting Africom chief executive Simba Mangwende and non-executive director Farai Rwodzi as well as Oliver Chiku of Global Satellite Systems were scheduled to present preliminary arguments before magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi.
However, the turn of events means the trio will remain in remand prison this weekend, pending the setting of another date.
Prosecutor Mr Jonathan Murombedzi confirmed yesterday that the hearing failed to take place, but refused to divulge the reasons.
He said it was likely to be held tomorrow.
It is alleged the three connived to install communication equipment at an undisclosed location and connected it to Africom's main network without authorisation.
The State alleges they dispatched confidential security information to Canada, the United States and Afghanistan between July and last Thursday.
They are also being charged with contravening Section 33 (i) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act, which makes it an offence for one to illegally possess, control or work for a radio station.
Mr Chris Mhike of Atherstone and Cook Attorneys, who is representing Rwodzi, said he was disappointed his client had to spend the weekend in the cells.
"I am hopeful that when the court does re-convene, we will be able to finalise the matter and, therefore, reclaim liberty and justice for my client," he said.
Reasons for the deferment of the hearing could not be ascertained by late yesterday afternoon.
Acting Africom chief executive Simba Mangwende and non-executive director Farai Rwodzi as well as Oliver Chiku of Global Satellite Systems were scheduled to present preliminary arguments before magistrate Mr Munamato Mutevedzi.
However, the turn of events means the trio will remain in remand prison this weekend, pending the setting of another date.
Prosecutor Mr Jonathan Murombedzi confirmed yesterday that the hearing failed to take place, but refused to divulge the reasons.
He said it was likely to be held tomorrow.
It is alleged the three connived to install communication equipment at an undisclosed location and connected it to Africom's main network without authorisation.
The State alleges they dispatched confidential security information to Canada, the United States and Afghanistan between July and last Thursday.
They are also being charged with contravening Section 33 (i) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act, which makes it an offence for one to illegally possess, control or work for a radio station.
Mr Chris Mhike of Atherstone and Cook Attorneys, who is representing Rwodzi, said he was disappointed his client had to spend the weekend in the cells.
"I am hopeful that when the court does re-convene, we will be able to finalise the matter and, therefore, reclaim liberty and justice for my client," he said.
Source - zimpapers
