HARARE Simba Makoni (Pictured), a losing candidate in the 2008 presidential elections and now a leading opposition figure is to stand trial today on charges of addressing an illegal meeting during his campaigns.
Makoni, a close associate of President Robert Mugabe until he broke away from Zanu (PF) to challenge the dictator, is being charged under the Public Order and Security Act (POSA).
The charges against Makoni, who came a distant third in the first round of the presidential vote last year won by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, stemmed from an alleged meeting attended by about 400 people in Harare.
Makoni is alleged to have organised a public gathering without approval from the police as required under POSA. Two Zanu (PF) officials and four police officers have been lined up to testify against the former politburo member. Police re-opened the case in June this year, according to court documents.
Post published in: News