By Tarisai Machakaire
The State yesterday notified the court that it is now ready to institute trial proceedings for cleric, Phillip Mugadza, who is being charged with criminal nuisance after he reportedly staged a protest against President Robert Mugabe’s government.
Mugadza – who appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzayi Mugwagwa – allegedly chained himself to fence rods at Africa Unity Square during his protest.
He was remanded to December 20 for trial date allocation.
On his initial court appearance, the cleric complained that he had been subjected to inhumane treatment at the hands of the police.
“Soon after my client’s arrest, he was detained for hours at Parliament building before being taken to a guard room where he was assaulted by plain clothed police officers, with the blessing of their uniformed counterparts who looked on,” Mugadza’s lawyer, Gift Mtisi, said.
He further claimed that Mugadza reported the matter but no arrest was made.
Prosecutor, Audrey Chogumaira, alleged that on November 22 at around 4 pm, police officers from the reaction group who were on patrol at African Unity Square reportedly heard the accused person shouting on top of his voice, disturbing people passing by the park.
The officers proceeded to where Mugadza was standing and noticed that he had chained himself to fencing rails at Africa Unity Square.
It is further alleged that Mugadza had positioned himself directly opposite Parliament building entrance along Nelson Mandela Avenue.
The court heard that the cleric annoyed Parliament employees and other members of the public.
He was subsequently arrested and taken to Harare Central Police Station after being advised of his charge.
The State intends to produce the chain and padlock used by Mugadza as exhibits. Daily News
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