Chikafu abused by state – Lawyer

Joseph Mwale, prosecuted for his alleged role in the ghastly murders in Buhera, of two Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) activists, Tichaona Chiminya and Talent Mabika, during 2000.
His bid to have Mwale brought to book faced stumbling blocks from senior Zanu (PF) politicians. In addition, Chikafu handled two high-profile cases involving the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, and Lands and Security Minister Didymus Mutasa. Observers believe he is being persecuted for this.
Chikafu is accused of granting bail to undeserving accused persons in return for kick-backs. His attorney Chris Ndlovu applied to the court for refusal of remand citing what he termed “irregularities” in State papers.
He argued his client was detained illegally for close to 120 hours instead of the official 48 hours and an additional 48 if the police apply for further detention.
“What we are calling for is the condemnation of a human rights abuse by the police. The abuse of a citizen by the State is what we want the court declare as unlawful, unconstitutional, unjustified and illegal,” he said.
The State represented by Michael Mugabe from Harare told the court it was ready for trial and saw no logic in the application. – CAJ News