Lumumba freed on bail in alleged forgery case

By Fungai Lupande

The leader of the recently formed opposition party Viva Zimbabwe, and former Zanu-PF activist William Mutumanje, also known as Acie Lumumba, yesterday appeared in court on allegations of forging a registration book for his mother’s vehicle, a Toyota Ipsum.

Lumumba (28) is being jointly charged with his personal assistant Tonderai Maposa (21).

Magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe released the pair on $300 bail each.

They are facing forgery and fraud charges.

Prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa alleged that on an unknown date, Lumumba and Maposa had in their possession a Toyota Ipsum registration number ABR6297.

It is alleged that the vehicle had no record in the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) or the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) databases.

Two weeks ago Lumumba pronounced himself as chairman of a new political party called Viva Zimbabwe which he said was aimed at bringing about change in Zimbabwe.

In his rantings, Mr Lumumba used the “F” word to insult President Robert Mugabe

“Mr Mugabe, I guess you have not been really insulted,” said Mr Lumumba. “You are now used to being insulted by protesters. You are used to being insulted by vendors, you are used to being insulted in the hallways.

“You have never seen Zimbabweans really angry. So, here is the red line. Mr President Robert Gabriel Mugabe F**k you.”

Lumumba, while addressing a handful of supporters, said although he was leader of Viva Zimbabwe, he was not going to contest the 2018 Presidential elections saying he would support any candidate he considered to be appropriate for the post.