Anti- Mugabe activist approaches High Court for bail

Political activist and spokesperson of the radical Tajamuka pressure group, Promise Mkwananzi has approached the High Court seeking bail following his arrest on inciting public violence.

He was denied bail when he first appeared at the Harare Magistrate Court after he was banged by police following bloody clashes between protestors and law enforcement agencies.

Magistrate Tendai Mahwe denied him bail arguing that he would interfere and intimidate witnesses if he was set free.

Meanwhile, in a fledgling democracy, a High Court judge, Justice Priscilla Chigumba yesterday struck down a two-week ban on public protests in Harare that was issued by the government last week, in the wake of growing civil unrest in the country.

Lawyer and PDP leader Tendai Biti paid tribute to Chigumba saying she has issued a brave judgement that asserts the independence of the courts.

Yesterday's ruling was made as economic woes continue to deepen, with cash shortages worsening by day as the Reserve Bank prepares to introduce bond notes next month.