Joana Mamombe: Magistrate puts State on notice

By Nompumelelo Muyambiri

A Harare Magistrate has put the State on notice, compelling them to issue MDC Alliance MP Joana Mamombe with a trial date when she appears before the same court on April 8.

Mamombe is facing charges of subverting a constitutionally elected government.

Rumbidzai Mugwagwa made the ruling after Mamombe’s legal counsel Jeremiah Bhamu applied to have it endorsed on record that on the next remand date, they will be making an application of refusal of further remand.

The State which is represented by Sebastian Mutizirwa initially told the court that by April 4, all investigations would have been completed and they will be ready to proceed for trial.

On April 8, she will be furnished with a trial date.

Mamombe is being represented by Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers, Bhamu and Obey Shava.

She is accused of subverting a constitutionally elected government through a press conference she held in Harare.

Allegations are that she addressed a press conference on January 14 and advocated, suggested or urged people to engage in civil disobedience and called for (sabotaging of) government’s essential services intending to overthrow the government.

Harare Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa remanded the matter to April 8. Zim Morning Post