Court defers bail ruling on Siwela

charged with treason.
Siwela is jointly charged with two other party members for allegedly distributing material deemed treasonous.
Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku, sitting in his chambers, postponed ruling to allow lawyers representing Siwela to file a supplementary affidavit responding to allegations that the suspect was likely to commit further offences while on bail. In March Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Nicholas Ndou granted Siwela, Charles Thomas and John Gazi US$2 000 bail each but Siwela remained in custody after the State noted an appeal against him.
The State, through law officer Mr Fungayi Nyahunzvi, is now seeking to overturn the decision by the High Court to grant Siwela bail on the basis he was likely to commit further offences while out on bail.
The superior court also made an order that the State should file its response to the supplementary affidavit within 48 hours. Ruling would be made after both parties have filed supplementary arguments. The three are being accused of distributing material deemed treasonous.
As part of the bail conditions, the three were ordered to surrender their passports, not to attend political rallies and to stay within a radius of 40km from the Bulawayo Main Post Office.