Further evidence of Robert Mugabe's attempt to force the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) into a raw deal or his insincerity in the unity bid is provided by the fact that MDC secretary general Tendai Biti is still facing two charges of seeking to oust him unconstitutionally.Biti appeared again in court today and his trial date has been set for
May 4 – a clear message to to the lawyer to "play ball or else". If
Mugabe had been sincere one would have expected him to instruct his
very politicised judiciary to drop the case, as he always does with
cases important to him.
Biti is an MP and the chief MDC-T negotiator in the talks that have
given rise to the ongoing unity – for which Parliament is today passing
a law creating the office of Prime Minister.
Treason charges arose out of the disputed presidential election in
March where Biti was expressing the opposition’s frustration with
Mugabe’s politicised Zimbabwe Electoral Commission which took five
weeks to release results of the 27 March election.
The other charge arises from a document which has been proved to be a
forgery, purporting to implicate Biti in an effort to overthrow Mugabe
unconstitutionally.
AFP quoted a prosecutor saying:"We have to prioritize this case in the second term of the High Court."
Biti’s lawyers opposed further remand, arguing that the state had
failed to serve indictment papers since the case began last year and
thereby delayed setting the trial date.
"We believe the breach of this undertaking is deliberate," defense
lawyer Lewis Uriri told the court. "It has nothing to do with matters
of law."
Magistrate Olivia Mariga is expected to rule Friday whether to keep Biti on remand.
Post published in: News