By Nomalanga Moyo
HARARE – Human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa was back at the Harare Magistrates’ Court Tuesday where she is on trial on charges of obstructing justice.
The trial, which has been subject to several postponements, resumed with the State calling its third witness, who was cross-examined by defence lawyer Harrison Nkomo.
Mtetwa was arrested on March 17th and faces criminal charges for asking to be shown a warrant authorising police officers to search her clients’ premises.
This was after police officers stormed the home of her client Thabani Mpofu, an aide to MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai, and were in the process of conducting a search.
Mpofu had been arrested together with Warship Dumba, Felix Matsinde and Mehluli Tshuma – all researchers at the then Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s office – on allegations of impersonating law enforcement agents and compiling dockets about corrupt State officials.
During the arrest, Mtetwa was handcuffed and taken to Harare Central police station, and then detained for eight days despite a High Court order for her release.
She was eventually released on $500 bail but observers believe that Mtetwa’s arrest was meant to intimidate and instill fear among rights lawyers in the country. Mtetwa denies the charges levelled against her. The case continues until Friday, with up to nine witnesses expected to testify. SW Radio Africa
