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Fungai Jachi Court Correspondent
The trial of MDC-T legislator for Highfield East Eric Murai and 15 members of the opposition party accused of stoning police officers at an unsanctioned rally in Hopley, Harare South, failed to start yesterday after the State sought a postponement in the matter.
The prosecutor Mr Tafara Chirambira applied to defer the matter to next Wednesday, saying the State would be able to provide the accused persons with a trial date and State papers on that date.
The lawyer representing the 16, Mr Tonderai Bhatasara of Mupanga, Bhatasara Attorneys consented to the postponement.
Murai (44), Memory Ncube (33), Aqueline Sanganai (68), Erenia Chiradza (54), Rutendo Bvute (29), Stella Manyanga (64), Herbert Mwadira (18), Tafadzwa Kambala (25), Sinkiwe Mandava (53), Peter Mafara (33), Shepherd Munyadzi (40), Michael Matemai (67), Farai Kushata (42), Clyde Mushamba (30), Givemore Muparahwa (38) and Memory Mudyabumhe (46) appeared before Ms Anita Tshuma facing public violence charges.
Allegations are that on November 2, Trouble Hasha applied to the police to hold an MDC-T rally at Kazembe Rising Stars Primary School.
The court heard that police turned down the rally.
It is alleged that on November 8, the accused, despite having no authorisation to conduct a rally, gathered at the school in their party regalia.
It is the State’s case that they intended to proceed with the meeting.
The State further alleged that the police received information that about 50 MDC-T supporters were holding an unsanctioned meeting.
Police led by Inspector James Chimombe went to the venue to disperse the MDC-T supporters.
Upon arrival the supporters turned violent throwing stones at the police, the court heard.
It is alleged that the situation got out of hand and the police used teargas and warning shots to disperse the crowd.
The accused were later arrested by anti-riot police.
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