adminBuzwani Moyo Midlands Reporter
Tongai Matutu, Member of Parliament for Masvingo Central who is facing charges of insulting President Mugabe, was yesterday back in court.Matutu, a former deputy minister in the inclusive government who is appearing before Gweru provincial magistrate Phathekile Msipa, has pleaded not guilty.
The former legislator who is on free bail, was remanded to Tuesday for continuation of trial.
Prosecuting, Andrew Marimo told the court that on July 25, 2005 and at Ferry Training Centre, Zaka, MDC-T held a rally.
Matutu was then invited to give a speech to the public who were the targeted group.
The state alleges that Matutu uttered words which were deemed to be insulting or threatening to the Head of State.
Marimo alleged Matutu said: “I’ve never seen a dog like Mugabe. The tsunami that has killed people. Zanu-PF is not giving MDC supporters maize. We are too forgiving as a people to an extent that we are made to suffer.
“It’s the government that people should rise against and not the government rising against the people”.
Matutu’s lawyer, Reginald Chidawanyika, said there was no evidence that his client was referring to President Mugabe since there were many Mugabes in the country.
He also said his client did not commit any crime because the Act was repealed on June 24, 2004 before the alleged crime was committed.
“It is not justified and there’s no adequate evidence that my client referred to the Head of State and Government, President Mugabe, because there are many Mugabes in this country.
“My client is also not guilty because the Act was repealed on June 24, 2004 before the offence was committed,” Chidawanyika said.
derick.khumalo