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Fungai Lupande : Court Reporter
A Harare City Council employee, who allegedly vandalised Robert Mugabe Road signage during violent demonstrations organised by the opposition MDC-T a fortnight ago, yesterday appeared in court charged with public violence. Spencer Mhako (31) appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Vongai Muchuchuti-Guuriro, who remanded him in custody to today.Mhako, who is employed by City of Harare, Hatfield depot, made an application for referral of his case to the Constitutional Court.
He submitted that he was not informed of his charge upon arrest and that the arresting details did not identify themselves when they apprehended him.
He also said he was denied food and water while in custody.
Prosecutor Mr Progress Maringamoyo will respond to the application today.
It is the State’s case that on August 26, Mhako teamed up with his accomplices already on remand and others who are still on the run to commit the crime.
It is alleged that they gathered at an open space between the 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 and stoned police trucks.
It is alleged that Mhako also vandalised shops, looted various clothing and groceries before defacing Robert Mugabe road sign 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.
Meanwhile, MDC-T youth secretary Kunashe Muchemwa, who was arrested in Bulawayo over the same demonstration, was yesterday denied bail.
Harare magistrate Ms Bianca Makwande ruled that Muchemwa was a flight risk after he was photographed at the crime scene and was later arrested several kilometres away.
Online Reporter