News / National
MDC-T official charged over the 'bombing' of Zanu-PF offices
14 Oct 2013 at 02:56hrs | Views
James Chidhakwa, an MDC official who was arrested last Friday over the bombing of the Zanu-PF Machipisa offices in Harare, will today appear before a magistrate, his lawyer has confirmed.
Chidhakwa's lawyer Denford Halimani yesterday said his client was facing aggravated malicious damage to property charges.
He said Chidhakwa was arrested on Friday, before being released late Saturday afternoon after communication that he will appear in court today.
Two weeks ago, another 40-year-old Highfield man Collins Chisunga appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on the same charges.
Magistrate Elijah Makomo remanded Chisunga in custody, before instructing him to apply for bail at the High Court.
Halimani said Chidhakwa will be jointly charged with Chisunga.
The State alleges that Chisunga was heard claiming that he committed the offence intentionally.
It is the State's case that on September 28 Chisunga and his accomplices, some still at large, went to Zanu-PF Machipisa offices where they allegedly set the place on fire using unknown implements.
The fire destroyed office furniture and other items including a gas cooker.
According to State papers, the fire spread to Grocery World Supermarket, which is adjacent to the offices.
The fire gutted various foodstuffs among them cartons of cooking oil and electrical appliances.
It is further alleged that the fire further destroyed walls of the building, leading to the collapse of corrugated iron roofing sheets.
The court heard that police arrested Chisunga on September 29, after he was allegedly heard shouting
"Takabva kuSouth Africa, Hamuna zvamunotiita Jongwe neZanu-PF office Machipisa takapedza nemi kare."
Chidhakwa's lawyer Denford Halimani yesterday said his client was facing aggravated malicious damage to property charges.
He said Chidhakwa was arrested on Friday, before being released late Saturday afternoon after communication that he will appear in court today.
Two weeks ago, another 40-year-old Highfield man Collins Chisunga appeared before the Harare Magistrates' Court on the same charges.
Magistrate Elijah Makomo remanded Chisunga in custody, before instructing him to apply for bail at the High Court.
Halimani said Chidhakwa will be jointly charged with Chisunga.
The State alleges that Chisunga was heard claiming that he committed the offence intentionally.
The fire destroyed office furniture and other items including a gas cooker.
According to State papers, the fire spread to Grocery World Supermarket, which is adjacent to the offices.
The fire gutted various foodstuffs among them cartons of cooking oil and electrical appliances.
It is further alleged that the fire further destroyed walls of the building, leading to the collapse of corrugated iron roofing sheets.
The court heard that police arrested Chisunga on September 29, after he was allegedly heard shouting
"Takabva kuSouth Africa, Hamuna zvamunotiita Jongwe neZanu-PF office Machipisa takapedza nemi kare."
Source - dailynews
