g an application by State Prosecutor Lawrence Phiri to have a total restriction of the public from the proceedings Justice Karwi ordered that the case be held in camera since it was “very sensitive”.
“I have considered the issue very closely and I am of the opinion that the State is right in that the matter be held in camera. My ruling is based on the basis that the matter is very sensitive and also in light of the investigations which are still on-going,” ruled Karwi.
Karwi in his application had submitted that there were other “big names” which might come up during the proceedings and needed to be protected.
“The investigations will certainly be prejudiced if we were to hold these proceedings in an open court. There are certain persons who are still outstanding,” said Phiri.
Defence lawyer Jonathan Samkange had however, tried to argue that in the light of justice and transparency it was in the public interest that the matter be held in an open court.
“It is my respectful submission that in a democratic state like ours, it is in the right of all stateholders to have access to these proceedings. These allegations are false, bothering on malice. There are certain names, which have already been named, and I think there should not be any other names, which should be sacrosanct,” argued Samkange.
The State is however maintains that the six, Albert Matapo, Emmanuel Marara, Pattison Mupfure, Nyasha Zivuku, Oncemore Mudzurahona and Shingirai Webster Mutemachani would skip bail once granted.
It is also believed that the accused would interfere with witnesses or abscond to avoid prosecution.
The six stand accused of plotting to topple Mugabe and install Rural and Social Amenities Minister as President.
Alleged ring leader, Matapo was allegedly going to be the prime minister- CAJ News.
Post published in: News