adminA Beitbridge magistrate yesterday granted bail to two drivers employed in Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s office who were arrested at the weekend on allegations of driving cars with blue beacon lights.
Joshua Mhuriyengwe (44) of 1057 off Frazer Road Parktown, Waterfalls, and Clifford Sanyika (38) of Number GB21 Samuriwo Street, Rugare, Kambuzuma, first appeared in court on Monday and were denied bail.
They are facing a charge of contravening Section 29 (3) of Statutory Instrument 154/2010 (use of a motor vehicle fitted with a blue beacon light when the vehicle is not for the police or the Zimbabwe National Army or authorised by the President).
They are also facing an alternative charge of contravening Section 29 (1) (10) of the same Statutory Instrument (driving on any road a vehicle equipped with a lamp cable which can be taken for a beacon light).
When they initially appeared in court, the State strongly opposed bail arguing that the pair was a threat to State security as it was not clear for what purpose the cars were going to be used.
Beitbridge resident magistrate, Miss Gloria Takundwa granted the pair US$100 bail each and ordered them to reside at their given addresses until their matter is finalised. They were further ordered not to interfere with State witnesses.
In granting the pair bail, Miss Takundwa noted that the State’s reason for opposing bail was not convincing as the prosecution failed to substantiate the allegation that they were a threat to State security.
Their lawyer Mr Kossam Ncube of Kossam Ncube and Partners had argued that his clients were good candidates for bail and that the vehicles in question belonged to the Government of Zimbabwe. — CR.
Online Reporter