Upon arrival at the police station, Magarangoma was charged for threatening a Zanu (PF) activist with murder, an offense Magarangoma denied.
He was charged with contravening Section 180 of the Criminal (Codification and Reform) Act, in the presence of his lawyer, Blessing Nyamaropa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
A police record alleges that on 1 October 2010, Magarangoma sent people who threatened to kill Mutizwa Mhondiwa, a Zanu (PF) member in Dorowa.
Police later released Magarangoma after recording a warned and cautioned statement from him and advised him that the State would proceed by way summons.
Magarangoma said the arrest was part of series of plans being orchestrated by Zanu (PF) members to intimidate MDC activists ahead of general elections likely next year.
“I suspect this is politically motivated and I actually don’t know the complainant. I do not remember sending people to attack or destroy his homestead as alleged. Zanu (PF) is trying to unsettle Manicaland ahead of the forthcoming elections,” he said.
MDC-T Manicaland spokesperson, Pishayi Muchauraya condemned the arrest.
“This is persecution and, as a party, we condemn it because it is coming at a time when the country is busy preparing for polls in 2013,” he said.
Post published in: News