Artuz leader in court for 2016 'murder'

Harare police have announced that their investigation into the 2016 murder case involving Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (Artuz) leader Obert Masaraure is still ongoing. Masaraure is accused of killing activist Roy Issa at a city hotel on June 1, 2016, following a night of drinking.

The State alleges that to conceal the crime, Masaraure and his accomplices claimed that Issa had jumped off the hotel window, resulting in his death. However, magistrate Dennis Mangosi postponed the case to November 7, as police reported that investigations were still incomplete.

Masaraure, represented by Doug Coltart, opposed the postponement, arguing that it was unjustified. He pointed out that police had previously stated that investigations would be concluded before July 19, 2022. Coltart maintained that the application for postponement was unnecessary and suggested that the police could simply summon the accused when they are ready.

The defense filed written submissions opposing the application for postponement, requesting the court to make a ruling on the matter during the next remand date. An earlier inquest into Issa's death ruled out foul play and the case was closed. However, Masaraure was arrested at Harare Central Police Station last year while fulfilling his routine bail conditions for another case. Zebediah Bofu represented the State.