Seven Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) leaders arrested last year for inciting public violence have been acquitted at the close of the state’s case.
Harare Magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa found ZCTU bosses president Peter Mutasa, Secretary General Japhet Moyo, Simon Mutasa, Ezekiel Matema, Munashe Chirovamari, Benice Maluleke and Priscilla John not guilty of charges of Public violence and acquitted them of accusations of participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence in October last year.
The flopped charges were that they participated in a gathering with intent to promote public violence.
Mugwagwa ruled that the State failed to prove its case beyond reasonable ground that indeed on October 8, the ZCTU informed the Officer Commanding Harare Central Police District that they intended to conduct a peaceful demonstration in the CBD.
Allegations were that the police had turned down the request but the ZCTU challenged the decision by the police in court and lost. ZCTU defied the court order and went ahead and carried out an unlawful demonstration along Jason Moyo Avenue in Harare.
They were holding placards insulting President Mnangagwa. Police efforts to dissuade them from carrying out the illegal demonstration failed leading to their arrest, the allegations read. A Harare magistrate, Rumbidzai Mugwagwa however found them not guilty and acquitted them of all charges at the close of the State’s case.
