10 months later MDC-T activists granted bail

HARARE- Seven MDC-T activists who have spent nearly10 months in remand prison without trial were on Friday granted bail by Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba. The group are facing what their party say are ‘trumped up’ charges of killing policeman Inspector Petros Mutedza.

Those granted bail include Glenview ward 32 councillor Tungamirai  Madzokere, Rebecca Mafikeni, Yvonne Musarurwa, Lazarus Maengahama, Stanford Maengahama, Stanford Mangwiro and Phineas Nhatarikwa. Madzokere was asked to pay US$1000 bail while the others US$500 each.

Other conditions they have to fulfil include reporting three times a week to the police and surrendering their travel documents. It is now expected the 7 activists will walk out of prison on Monday once the necessary paper work is completed.

MDC-T Youth Assembly Chairman Solomon Madzore however is still fighting for his freedom after being arrested in October last year. On Monday his lawyers filed a notice of appeal against the refusal to grant him bail by High Court Judge Justice Hlekani Mwayera.

It’s widely believed the arrests are part of the Mugabe regime’s attempt to demobilise the vibrant MDC-T Youth Assembly ahead of elections. The party is also having to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees instead of funding its operations and campaigns. Nehanda Radio.com