adminallegedly mobilised people to revolt against the Government, a Harare magistrate heard yesterday.
Gwisai, a former Highfield legislator and UZ lecturer, is jointly charged with Antoneta Choto (36), Tatenda Mombeyarara (29), Edson Chakuma (38), Hopewell Gumbo (32) and Welcome Zimuto (25). They appeared before provincial magistrate, Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini, and the trial will continue on October 11.
State witness, Detective Seargent Jonathan Shoko, in his evidence in chief while being led by Mr Edmore Nyazamba said he was chosen by police to be placed in the meeting and cover the events.
He said police details were sent to the venue to investigate the possible threats and how the venue could be entered and a possible exit in the event that police raided the meeting.
Det Serg Shoko said he got an invite from a source from within Gwisai’s organisation and he went to the venue at around 12pm to enhance his chances of getting into meeting.
He said he was met with slight interrogation at the entrance and was made to produce his invite.
The policeman said when he got into the meeting venue he saw Zimuto, a Zimbabwe National Students Union leader who was sitting alone and he introduced himself with a fake name.
“I could tell from his tone that he was anti-President Mugabe, so we castigated the President together and belittled him, we talked about his wrongs and we were on the same side,” he said.
He said Zimuto told him about how the plight of students was deteriorating, saying it was being caused by the President who was clinging onto power.
The policemen said Gwisai entered the room and recognised Zimuto and he approached him and extended handshake.
“I called him ‘Cde’ when I greeted him . . . ” he said.
Det Sergeant Shoko said the greeting made Gwisai to think that he was one of them.
He said Mombeyarara came into the room and told him that he was not welcome as the meeting was a closed one. The detective said at that moment he became shaky but Zimuto approved his presence.
He said he started conversation with a pastor who also attended the meeting.
Det Serg Shoko said other participants flocked into the meeting and were greeted by Choto, who then sloganeered and told them they were still waiting for some key members.
After some time, he said, she told the people that they were going to view videos, while waiting for the speakers and they viewed a video showing the Egyptian revolution.
Online Reporter