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MDC’s Gabuza in court for ‘insulting’ Mnangagwa

MDC’s Gabuza in court for ‘insulting’ Mnangagwa

November 13, 2018

MDC MP for Bing South, Joel Gabuza
by MARCUS MUSHONGA
HARARE, (CAJ News) – OPPOSITION MDC-Alliance Member of Parliament (MP) has appeared in court for allegedly insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa after he reportedly accused the leader of failing to fix the country’s worsening economic crisis.

Joel Gabuza is also accused of undermining the authority of Mnangagwa following the alleged statements made during a recent funeral in the area.

The state alleges Gabuza “unlawfully and intentionally made an abusive, indecent or obscene statement about or concerning Mnangagwa” when he reportedly told mourners that Mnangagwa’s government was clueless in solving Zimbabwe’s economic crisis, which is marked by fuel and drug shortages.

Prosecutors charge that the parliamentarian told the mourners the crisis in Zimbabwe had forced him to travel to neighbouring Zambia to source fuel for use during the funeral.

He is on trial for allegedly violating the cumbersome Criminal Law
(Codification and Reform) Act, used by his successor, Robert Mugabe, to silence his critics.

Meanwhile, the trial of fellow MDC Alliance leader, Tendai Biti, who is facing charges of contravening the Electoral Act, resumed on Monday with the former finance minister challenging the involvement of the prosecutor.

Biti is accused of unlawfully and unofficially announcing the July 30
presidential election results, which his party claims were rigged.

Six people were killed when the military opened fire on protesters
following the reported announcement by Biti.

His (Biti) trial could not resume this week after he challenged the
involvement of Michael Reza as the lead prosecutor, arguing he is
impartial.

Harare Magistrate Gloria Takundwa is to rule on the challenge this week.

– CAJ News

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