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Herald Reporters
Police on Tuesday said they are still investigating Chitungwiza Mayor Lovemore Maiko (MDC-Alliance), who was arrested last Thursday on allegations of torching a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) vehicle during violent demonstrations that occurred in Harare in 2016.
Maiko and councillor for Ward 21 in Chitungwiza Kudakwashe John, who was also arrested in connection with the August 2016 incident that was captured on video, were supposed to have appeared in court on Saturday but failed to do so.
Maiko and John, who are already on remand over illegal land sales in the dormitory town, were subsequently released as investigations had not been completed.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the latest developments.
“We are still carrying out investigations in the case and once they are complete we will certainly advise when they will appear in court. They are certain issues that we need to clarify in the case,” he said.
“However, we also want to thank members of the public who are coming forward with crucial information to aid to our investigations.”
Video footage made available recently showed a man, believed to be Maiko, committing the offence outside Town House.
The video was taken during a violent demonstration organised by the opposition-linked Tajamuka pressure group on August 16, 2016. Several vehicles and property were torched in the demonstration. Video footage made available to The Herald shows a mob burning a ZBC vehicle.
Police last week arrested Maiko, John and Chitungwiza works director Engineer David Duma on allegations of abuse of office involving the sale of commercial stands, among them a 2 000 square metre stand at Chigovanyika Shopping Centre.
They later sold 1 500 square metres of the same land to the mayor’s wife after a council resolution.
Online Reporter