MDC-ALLIANCE organising secretary Amos Chibaya appeared in
court yesterday facing fresh charges of plotting to overthrow the Government.
Chibaya, who is the MP for Mkoba, was re-arrested on
Tuesday afternoon soon after his release from Whawha Remand Prison after he was
granted $500 bail on allegations of inciting violence. He appeared before Gweru
provincial magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa facing charges of subverting a
Constitutional Government.
Chibaya pleaded not guilty. However, Ms Maphosa remanded
Chibaya in custody to 11 February. On Thursday the prosecution led by Ms
Gracious Rongai had asked for further detention to yesterday. Ms Rongai applied
for further detention to allow police to gather more documentation proving the
alleged offence against him.
The MP’s lawyer Mr Reginald Chidawanyika had opposed the
application for further detention saying it was unconstitutional to have his
client arrested based on a news article which has not been verified.
It is the State case that during the period from 16
December to 2 January and at the Midlands provincial offices of MDC-Alliance in
Gweru, the accused communicated with Learnmore Magorimbo, the national
chairperson for Zimbabwe National Youth Alliance (Ziya), a pressure group
mobilising for a nationwide demonstration. The court heard that the alleged
communication was done between certain cellphone numbers revealed in court.
On 2 January, Chibaya, the court heard — also communicated
with the entire MDC-Alliance supporters by causing the publishing of a news
article in a local daily newspaper where he was subverting a Constitutional
Government.
As a result of the communications, the court heard that
massive violent demonstrations occurred in Mkoba, Mtapa and Ascot high-density
suburbs in Gweru and the accused was observed amongst a riotous group.
The court heard that a number of properties were destroyed
by demonstrators taking heed of his campaign to overthrow the Government by
unconstitutional means.
Meanwhile, Chiwundura Member of Parliament Livingstone
Chimina appeared before the same court facing fresh charges of inciting
violence and protests. He was remanded in custody to Thursday. Sunday News
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