HARARE - Zimbabwes alleged coup plotters, who where implicated in the then Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwas bid to oust President Robert Mugabe The state failed to prove a case against the seven resulting in their acquittal. The seven are: Albert Matapo who was an army captain, Nyasha Zivuku, Oncemore Mazivahona, Emmanuel Marara, Patson Mupfure, Shingirai Mutemachani, and Rangarirai Maziofa who was then a student at the University of Zimbabwe. However, they were not released as they face another charge of attempting to escape from lawful custody. Maziofa, the youngest, was not involved in the alleged escape attempt because he was at the remand prison at the time.
But, despite a court order to release him last Friday, Maziofa was still in custody at the time of going to press. Prison officials failed to explain to this paper why he had not been released.
The remaining six face a possible five year jail term if convicted of their foiled escape bid. The seven were arrested in 2007 on allegations of plotting to violently topple President Mugabe and replace him with the then powerful Minister of Defence Emmerson Mnangagwa.
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