Trial of 'tribalistic' activist postponed

The trial of prominent, Victoria Falls civil activist, Esau Ncube who is on a charge of fanning tribal hatred was on Tuesday postponed to April 5 at the request of his lawyer who was tied up with other business in Bulawayo.

His lawyer, Matshobana Ncube confirmed the postponement yesterday.

"Yes the matter was postponed after I made a request to that effect," said Ncube.

Esau had pleaded not guilty to the charges, when he appeared before Victoria Falls resident magistrate, Sharon Rosemani.

He is being accused of making derogatory remarks against Shona people, accusing them of landing better jobs ahead of locals staying in the resort town.

It is alleged Ncube, a coordinator of Uluntu Ciisi Trust, made the remarks during a protest march he organised on November 17 2010.

The activist has since denied the charge, claiming it was fabricated to persecute him.

Ncube's lawyer, Matshobana Ncube, told the court: "As a community leader in November 2010, he successfully led the community in staging a demonstration against a food court that had opened in Victoria Falls from bringing labour from outside to work at the food court, overlooking residents of Victoria Falls."

It is alleged on November 17 2010, Morgan Dube, a sales supervisor with Shearwater/Zambezi Helicopter, convened a meeting at Chamabondo Primary School in the resort town where Ncube was one of the speakers.

Ncube allegedly told the meeting that Elephant Hills and Victoria Falls hotels should be called "Mashonaland hotels" because of the large number of Shona people they had on their payroll.

After the meeting, police immediately pounced on Ncube and charged him over the alleged tribal slur.