At around 13 00hours today, two unidentified men stalked human rights lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama, who is representing detained human rights activists and some members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The men started to stalk Muchadehama as he was leaving Court 13, Rottenrow magistrate's court. The two unidentified men suspected to be state security agents,
followed Muchadehama to the main entrance of the court and stood within
earshot as Muchadehama briefed Dr Francis Lovemore, one of the doctors
who examined the detained political prisoners about proceedings in
court, where Magistrate Gloria Takundwa had just ordered the immediate
and urgent medical examination of the four detainees including Kisimusi
Dhlamini, Regis Mujeyi, Mapfumo Garutsa and Andrisson Manyere, who
appeared in court on 20 February 2009.
The two unidentified men had been in court meticulously taking notes
during remand hearing proceedings, where Muchadehama successfully
sought an order for the examination and treatment of the four
detainees. Muchadehama also successfully obtained an order compelling
the State to give a trial date for the accused persons.
ZLHR is greatly worried about the rising incidences of harassment and
attacks against lawyers. This act of stalking was deliberately meant to
spook Muchadehama. ZLHR condemns such clandestine acts by the
unidentified men who distracted a legal practitioner who was executing
his duties.