Court frees flag adorning MDC-T MP

Mutare magistrate, Langton Mukwengi Thursday freed Mutasa Central legislator, Trevor Saruwaka after the state had failed to furnish him with a trial date for a matter in which he was arrested last month and charged for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest.

Mukwengi removed the dreadlocked MP from remand after prosecutor Fletcher Karombe had failed to provide him with a trial date.

He was represented by Rangarirai Mubata of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

Saruwaka (41) was arrested in September 17 in Mutare for allegedly participating in an anti-government protest demanding the implementation of electoral reforms.

Mukwengi ordered the State to put its house in order first and to proceed by issuing summons against the MP, who is out of custody on $250 bail, if it intended to pursue prosecution.

He was charged with contravening Section 37 (a) (i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace or bigotry.

The State had claimed that Saruwaka participated in an illegal demonstration held in the eastern border town by some MDC-T party supporters numbering between 20 to 30 including MDC-T Manicaland Senator, David Chimhini.

The State said Saruwaka’s actions disturbed the peace, security and order of the public, a charge that he denied in his warned and cautioned statement recorded at Mutare Central Police Station, where he was detained after he was arrested.

Saruwaka said he was alone when he was arrested and in all likelihood, for being a known MDC-T legislator and adorning a flag associated with #ThisFlag protest campaign. Radio VOP