State makes U-turn in Mugabe insult case
From MARCUS MUSHONGA in Harare, Zimbabwe ,HARARE, (CAJ News) – ZIMBABWE’S National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has revived charges against a former youth leader of President Robert Mugabe’s party after earlier withdrawing the accusations of undermining authority of or insulting the leader.The charges have been leveled against William Gerald Mutumanje Lumumba (28), once a Mugabe ally and now opposition leader.
He publicly insulted Mugabe with the F-word at the launch of his Viva Zimbabwe party in Harare last year.In May, NPA had undertaken before the Constitutional Court to withdraw charges against Lumumba. Edmore Nyazamba, representing the prosecution, undertook to withdraw charges in the lower courts by June 12 and as such, the matter was removed from the roll by consent.
However, the prosecution has rescinded its decision and refused to withdraw charges against the former Zanu-PF youth league leader.
Justin Uladi from the NPA has chosen not to withdraw and instead applied to be granted a trial date.Uladi told Harare Magistrate Nomsa Sabarauta that Nyazamba had no authority to withdraw the charges.The hearing continues.Lumumba faces a year in prison if convicted.
– CAJ News
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