Mtetwa was arrested on March 17th and charged after allegedly insulting police officers who were arresting her clients at the time.
Her clients, Thabani Mpofu, Warship Dumba, Felix Matsinde and Mehluli Tshuma, are all from the Prime Minister’s office and were arrested on allegations of impersonating law enforcement agents and compiling dockets about corrupt state officials.
Mtetwa was eventually released on $500 bail after spending eight days in detention. Observers believe that Mtetwa’s arrest was meant to intimidate her and instill fear among rights lawyers in the country.
Her case has bene dragging on ever since, with the respected lawyer usually appearing in court on Saturdays. The case continues.
Meanwhile, five MDC-T activists who were arrested over two years ago in connection with the death of Glen View policeman, remain locked up.
In total 29 activists were arrested in May 2011 when a police detail, responding to reports of political disturbances in Harare’s Glen View area, was attacked, resulting in the death of Inspector Petros Mutedza.
Tungamirai Madzokere, Yvonne Musarurwa, Rebecca Mafukeni, Last Maengahama and Simon Mapanzure remain locked up after they were deemed a flight risk and held in custody when their colleagues were bailed last year.
The 29 deny the murder charges brought against them, and there is yet to be a decision on the case. A High Court Judge on June 12th reserved judgement and postponed the matter indefinitely. – SW Radio Africa
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