State seeks to nail Beatrice Mtetwa

Human Rights defender, Beatrice Mtetwa was yesterday dragged back to court by the Prosecutor General 23 months after her acquittal on charges of obstruction of justice.

The State is seeking leave to appeal against the prominent Human Rights lawyer's acquittal.

The matter could not be heard after it became apparent that Tozivepi Mupfuva from the Prosecutor General's office, who deposited the affidavit in the case, was the one who also came in yesterday's proceedings seeking to prosecute the matter.

High Court Judge Justice Garainesu Mawadze deferred the case to Thursday.

The judge raised some ethical issues and deferred the hearing to allow Tomana to brief another law officer other than Tozivepi Mapfuwa of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

The latter attorney deposed to an affidavit arguing that Harare Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa erred and misdirected herself when she discharged Mtetwa in November 2013.

Justice Mawadze said it was improper for Mapfuwa to again act as legal counsel for Tomana in the new case.

Tomana should, therefore, appoint someone else to represent him in the appeal.