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Yeukai Karengezeka-Court Correspondent
Activist Talent Rusere who is facing charges of inciting violence and contravening immigration laws after allegedly staying in Botswana without a valid passport was yesterday denied bail by the courts.
Presiding magistrate Mr Isheunesu Matova said Rusere was a flight risk since he escaped the country through an undersigned exit point.
He also failed to provide his address as he supplied the court with different addresses.
Rusere was remanded to February 22.
He is accused of violating the Immigration Act and the Data Protection Act by transmitting data messages aimed at inciting violence or causing damage to property.
The court heard that Rusere, who recently gained attention for claiming to have exposed election rigging in Mozambique, was deported from Botswana on December 23 through Ramokwebane Border Post in Plumtree after failing to produce a valid passport or travel documents.
He was arrested upon his return to Zimbabwe. According to the prosecution, led by Mr Rufaro Chonzi, Rusere allegedly exited Zimbabwe on an unknown date without proper documentation, using an unidentified port of entry or exit. On the second charge, it is alleged that Rusere created and distributed video messages in Zimbabwe.
Using a computer or information system, he is said to have broadcast data messages with the intent to incite violence against individuals or property in Zimbabwe and the broader SADC region.
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