News / National
Artuz leader files for exception to obstruction charge
16 Oct 2023 at 15:15hrs | Views
Obert Masaraure, the leader of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz), filed an application for an exception before Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka in a case involving the obstruction of the course of justice. This move followed the State's request for a postponement, citing the case's transfers between different courts as the reason for needing additional time to confirm the trial's actual commencement date.
In the written application, Masaraure's lawyer, Tapiwa Muchineripi, argued that the State's outline did not align with the preferred charge's requirements. The defense further contended that the State's outline and the charges failed to provide a clear explanation of how the course of justice was allegedly obstructed or prejudiced.
The defense made it clear that if the State failed to initiate the trial on the next scheduled remand date, Masaraure would seek to be removed from further remand.
The trial is set to commence on November 6.
Masaraure stands accused of posting a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in which he demanded the release of his colleague, Robson Chere, who had been arrested in connection with the death of Artuz member Roy Issa in 2016. Issa had fallen to his death from the 7th floor of a Harare hotel. An inquest into his death initially ruled out foul play, but the police later reopened the case and charged Masaraure and Chere with murder.
The Artuz leader has several pending cases before the courts, including charges related to subversion, murder, and participation in gatherings in violation of COVID-19 regulations.
In the written application, Masaraure's lawyer, Tapiwa Muchineripi, argued that the State's outline did not align with the preferred charge's requirements. The defense further contended that the State's outline and the charges failed to provide a clear explanation of how the course of justice was allegedly obstructed or prejudiced.
The defense made it clear that if the State failed to initiate the trial on the next scheduled remand date, Masaraure would seek to be removed from further remand.
Masaraure stands accused of posting a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in which he demanded the release of his colleague, Robson Chere, who had been arrested in connection with the death of Artuz member Roy Issa in 2016. Issa had fallen to his death from the 7th floor of a Harare hotel. An inquest into his death initially ruled out foul play, but the police later reopened the case and charged Masaraure and Chere with murder.
The Artuz leader has several pending cases before the courts, including charges related to subversion, murder, and participation in gatherings in violation of COVID-19 regulations.
Source - newsday
