Baba Jukwa saga: UZ student freed on bail
By Tendai Kamhungira
HARARE – University of Zimbabwe (UZ) student Romeo Tanyaradzwa Musemburi, accused of attempting to commit an act of insurgency, banditry, sabotage and terrorism, has been freed on $100 bail.
High Court judge Joseph Musakwa yesterday freed Musemburi, 20, on bail after prosecutor Tawanda Zvekare consented to the application, filed by Musemburi’s lawyer Tonderai Bhatasara.
Musemburi was ordered to report to the police every Friday, reside at the address he provided to the court and not to interfere with State witnesses as part of his bail conditions.
Charges against him arose after he sent an article to [email protected] e-mail account requesting for firearms to topple the government.
He is denying the charges. In his defence outline stated in brief in his bail application, Musemburi denied authoring and sending a statement or article to the alleged e-mail address.
“He has no knowledge or links to the faceless mysterious Baba Jukwa,” Bhatasara submitted.
“He denies attempting to commit insurgency, banditry, sabotage or terrorism.”
Musemburi of 113 Shortstone, Waterfalls, Harare is a third-year student currently studying towards an honours degree in Economics.
He initially appeared before Harare magistrate Douglas Chikwekwe and was remanded in custody to July 16.
Musemburi approached the High Court after Chikwekwe said the student was facing a serious schedule three offence and that he had no jurisdiction to hear the bail application.
Prosecutors told the court that on August 3, last year, Musemburi allegedly used his gmail account [email protected] to send an article to [email protected].
The e-mail read, “We want pfuti (guns) give us and we will hit the streets and fight for democracy.”
It is the State’s case that Musemburi’s article was an attempt to commit an act of insurgency, banditry, sabotage, terrorism with a view to overthrow the government by unconstitutional means. Daily News
