10 'one million men march' war vets out on bail

Ten war veterans who were arrested last year for allegedly participating in the "One Million Men March" called by the late Blessed Runesu Geza against the Head of State have been granted bail following a change in circumstances.

The group appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai, who granted each of them bail set at US$200.

The accused are Rose Chirenje (65), Nyarai Chigudu (52), Kenesia Jera (62), Edward Mandikutse (69), Dexter Jena (69), Hazvinei Machingura (69), Stephen Chagwiza (48), Jacob Masaraure (75), Mapengo Mapengo (57) and Joephrey Chigwerewe (70).

Prosecutors allege that the group participated in an unsanctioned public gathering intended to incite violence.

According to the State, on October 17 last year the accused allegedly connived to mobilise members of the public to join the planned demonstration called by Geza against Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, whom he accused of aligning with "Zvigananda", a term used to refer to criminal saboteurs.

Court papers indicate that the accused persons failed to notify police of their intention to demonstrate as required by law.

The State further alleges that the group gathered at the corner of George Silundika Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street near Africa Unity Square intending to take part in the march.

Detectives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Law and Order section in Harare reportedly moved in after receiving information about the gathering and arrested the suspects.

Police later received further information that other suspects were hiding in a Toyota Probox parked at the corner of Sixth Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in Harare, leading to their arrest.

Investigators allege that the suspects indicated they had been transported from Marondera through an organised conveyance whose details they could not disclose.

The court heard that the accused persons had no lawful authority to participate in the public gathering.