Anti-Mugabe war veterans leaders removed from remand

Five executive members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association facing charges of undermining the authority of the President and insulting him through a document titled: ‘Communiqué on the State of Zimbabwe's Economy, the Zanu-PF Leadership and the Way Forward for the People of Zimbabwe' have been removed from remand.

Harare magistrate Hosea Mujaya has ruled that the five will now only appear in court on summons if the state puts its house in order.

It was all joy and jubilation for Douglas Mahiya, Victor Matemadanda, Headman Moyo, Francis Nhando, and Samuel Bhila all executive members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association after they were removed from remand this Wednesday morning.

Presiding magistrate Hosea Mujaya after hearing state prosecutor Tapiwa Kasema's submissions requesting for a further postponement of the matter to allow Acting Prosecutor General Ray Goba to issue a certificate of prosecution refused to grant a postponement.

Ms Beatrice Mtetwa who is representing the accused persons together with Harrison Nkomo and Andrew Makoni convinced the court that further postponing the matter would prejudice the accused persons as one lives in Chiredzi, the other in Gokwe and another in Tsholotsho making it costly to travel.

Mr Mujaya ruled that it was clear the state is not yet ready to proceed to trial and refused to further remand the matter to a later date to allow the state to put its house in order.

He ordered the state to proceed by way of summons when it is ready.

After the proceedings, Sam Parerenyatwa the chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Mashonaland Central province issued a press statement which stated that the revolutionary party should desist from imposing leaders in their association.

They vowed to remain fully behind Chris Mutsvangwa as their duly elected chairman among other issues.