Source: More charges for Hre mayor: Madhuku – NewZimbabwe 30/06/2016
HARARE mayor, Bernard Manyenyeni who was arrested hours after the High Court reinstated him to office spent Thursday night in police cells after the State claimed it was pressing more charges.
Manyenyeni was picked up by Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) officers and on charges of criminal abuse of office over appointment the town clerk, James Mushore.
He had just secured a court reprieve after a high court judge ordered his re-instatement following a second suspension by the local government ministry.
The mayor had been expected in court Thursday morning but the appearance has now been delayed to Friday at the latest.
The no-show frustrated fellow Harare councilors, supporters and staff from some embassies who had turned up at the Harare courts for the hearing.
Defence lawyer Lovemore Madhuku described the delay as unfortunate but insisted that his client was ready to go for trial.
“We had hoped he was going to appear in court earlier but I have been advised the State intends to press further charges within the 48-hour period they have,” said Madhuku.
“However, we also don’t want a situation where our client is discharged and re-arrested. We hope he will be back in office tomorrow (Friday).”
According to Madhuku, the State only wanted to punish the mayor, hence the continued detention.
“The reason for the delay is because of unfortunate state of minds. It is because of people who think that the powers they have to arrest people can be used for any purpose,” he said.
Manyenyeni was suspended by then acting Local Government minister Jonathan Moyo after an initial suspension by the local government minister Saviour Kasukuwere over the appointment of town clerk Mushore.
However, High Court judge, Lavendar Makoni, reinstated the opposition MDC-T mayor this week and ordered Kasukuwere not to try anymore suspensions.
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