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| Lumumba and Chamisa |
VIVA Zimbabwe president William Gerald Mutumanje — better known as Acie Lumumba — had his criminal slur case against President Robert Mugabe postponed to next month after seeking a new legal representative.
Lumumba, who was recently arrested after allegedly insulting Mugabe at the launch of his political party, is now being represented by Advocate Nelson Chamisa, the newly appointed MDC-T vice-president.
He had been represented by Ashiel Mugiya. Chamisa applied for postponement of the matter, saying he needed more time to go through Lumumba’s court documents in order to prepare a strong defence.
“There are many issues surrounding this case so we seek postponement. The accused (Lumumba) has a right to choose a legal representative and this is what he has done and the new defence team would want to peruse the court documents,” Chamisa said.
“This is a serious case which requires a serious defence. We can’t risk having a microwave defence, so we need more time to prepare.” Chamisa had suggested a two-week adjournment, but prosecutor Oscar Madhume opposed that arguing the period was just too long.
“The State finds no reason why defence suggests two weeks. Defence can peruse the documents in just 72 hours,” he said. Harare provincial magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe then ruled that the trial would continue in seven days.
On his last appearance, Lumumba stunned the court with more insults at Mugabe and denied the allegations against him, arguing he had only expressed himself.
Lumumba also told the court he had the right to share his expressions with Mugabe as they were both political party leaders.
He applied that his case be referred to the Constitutional Court as his remarks were not criminal. The State is expected to respond to his application on the next date.
Source-Newsday
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