LAWYERS representing Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist Godfrey Karembera, popularly known as Madzibaba veShanduko, on Monday accused the State of delaying trial to victimise their client.
The State alleged that he tried to deface the popular Mbuya Nehanda statue in March 2022.
Yesterday, Doug Coltart protested in court over the handling of his client’s case.
This was after the State told Harare magistrate Munashe Chibanda that it was not ready for trial.
“The State is not ready to go to trial. It is taking this court for a ride,” Coltart said.
“The accused has been on remand since March 2022. Therefore, he has been on remand since last year. What the State is doing is not fair and it not just.”
The matter was postponed to September 14 for trial.
Anesu Chirinje prosecuted for the State.
Allegations are that on March 17 last year at the intersection of Julius Nyerere Way and Nelson Mandela Avenue in Harare, Karembera chanted slogans at the Mbuya Nehanda statue that attracted a crowd to the annoyance of other people who alerted the police.
He was ordered to stop but allegedly lambasted police officers saying they are “useless”.
The police then arrested the accused person.
It is alleged that he turned violent as he resisted arrest, but was eventually subdued.
