A Masvingo magistrate has denied bail for two foreign tourists—one charged with publishing falsehoods and the other with possessing a s3x toy.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the unusual nature of the allegations and the international backgrounds of the accus3d.
The first individual, Lucas Slavik, hails from the Czech Republic. Slavik is charged with publishing false statements intended to incite public unrest. The prosecution alleges that Slavik recorded a video claiming that Masvingo was suffering from severe shortages of water and electricity.
This statement, they argue, was designed to stir discontent among the local populace. Initially, Slavik was charged with spreading falsehoods, but the charge has since been upgraded to reflect the seriousness of his alleged actions. The prosecution contends that this charge carries a potential 20-year prison sentence, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
During the court proceedings, Slavik’s defense lawyer argued that the conditions described by Slavik were, in fact, reflective of ongoing issues in Masvingo, where residents had been experiencing intermittent water shortages and power outages according to The Mirror.
Despite these claims, the court’s focus remained on the alleged intent behind Slavik’s video and the potential impact of his statements.
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Adding to the complexity of the case, Slavik was also initially charged with criminal nuisance.
However, this charge was later dropped by the State. As Magistrate Franklin Mkwananzi delivered the ruling, Slavik reportedly broke down in tears, a stark illustration of the emotional toll of the legal battle.
The second tourist, Tom Ssekamwa from Uganda, faces charges under the Censorship Act.
Ssekamwa was found in possession of a rubber toy p3nis, which the authorities have deemed to violate local decency laws. The discovery of the toy, allegedly found in Ssekamwa’s bag, has been the focal point of his legal troubles.
Prosecutor Tarisai Muvengi presented the case against both men as strongly supported by evidence.
For Slavik, the prosecutor cited the video that allegedly went viral on social media as a key piece of evidence.
For Ssekamwa, the artificial p3nis recovered from his possession was highlighted as concrete proof of the alleged violation.
Both men had initially been remanded until August 16, 2024. However, after a vigorous objection from their lawyer, Knowledge Mabvure, who argued for a more immediate trial, the magistrate adjusted the remand to reflect the new trial date.
