On Friday the bail hearing was postponed for the sixth time in less than two weeks. Clifford Hlatywayo, spokesperson for the youth assembly, told SW Radio Africa said they are not ruling out ZANU PF working in cohorts with the judicial system to delay their members being set free.
‘First of all, as MDC Youth Assembly we reiterate our position that both the arrest and detention is illegal and thereby unconstitutional. It is a political act by ZANU PF using the police and courts,’ the spokesman said.
The MDC-T has on numerous occasions complained about the selective application of the law in the country. Hlatywayo also accused the police of campaigning for ZANU PF by arresting MDC-T cabinet ministers and MPs, while leaving out what he called ‘criminals’ in ZANU PF. Anyone arrested from ZANU PF he said is either released within hours or after a day in custody.
Referring to the 29 MDC-T activists he said: ‘These people have proven beyond reasonable doubt that they are suitable candidates for bail and they’ve performed very well. Amongst the group who were on bail, there is one who was reporting everyday at the Harare Central Police Law and order section,’ he added.
On Thursday, the defence team told us it is increasingly frustrated at the delaying tactics by state prosecutors to have their clients set free from custody. Charles Kwaramba, the lead defence lawyer said the state conduct over the matter has not been forthcoming.
The 29 MDC-T members are accused of murdering police inspector, Petros Mutedza. However the group denies any involvement in the murder, saying the cop was fatally assaulted by patrons at a Glen View bar who were discussing football. Seven members of the group spent 9 months in custody. They were released a month ago, and had only tasted freedom for just two weeks before they were taken into custody again.
The bail application was postponed to Monday next week. SW Radio Africa
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