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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A Harare City Council employee, who allegedly vandalised Robert Mugabe Road signage during MDC-T violent demonstrations a fortnight ago was yesterday denied bail.
Spencer Mhako (31) also had his application to have his matter referred to the Constitutional Court dismissed.
He was remanded in custody to September 22.
Harare magistrate Mrs Vongai Muchuchuti-Guuriro ruled that there was no evidence that Mhako was subjected to inhuman treatment.
“The accused alleged that he was subjected to inhuman treatment, was advised of the charge at a later stage and was only given two slices of bread,” said the magistrate.
“The accused failed to provide evidence that any of the above transpired and it was his word of mouth against the arresting detail.”
In opposing bail, the investigating officer Masimba Mavhuto, submitted that Mhako was a flight risk.
He added that the accused assaulted police officers and was likely to interfere with State witnesses.
Mhako pleaded with the court to grant him bail saying he was a family man.
“I have no assets of value and no savings. I am a general hand at City of Harare earning $9,50 per day,” he said.
“I have no previous convictions or any pending case. I have no passport and no capacity to leave the country. I did not participate in any public violence.”
Mhako is employed by City of Harare’s Hatfield depot.
He is facing public violence charges.
It is the State’s case that on August 26, Mhako teamed up with his accomplices already on remand and also others who are still on the run.
It is alleged they gathered at an open space between Interpol offices and Rainbow Towers for a meeting.
The court heard that they then conspired to proceed to the central business district where they vandalised vending stalls, assaulted police officers and stoned police trucks.
It is alleged that Mhako also vandalised shops, looted various clothing and groceries before defacing a road sign inscribed Robert Mugabe Road at the intersection of Rotten Row and Robert Mugabe Road.
The court heard that Mhako was photographed at the crime scene.
He was arrested at his workplace following a tip-off to the police.
Online Reporter