Zimbabwe: Arms Cache: Ex-Soldier Denied Bail

24 March 2006

Harare — THE High Court yesterday dismissed a bail application by ex-Rhodesian soldier Peter Michael Hitschmann, who is facing charges of conspiracy to possess weaponry for insurgency.

Hitschmann was arrested in Mutare early this month together with MDC legislator for Mutare North Giles Mutsekwa, the party's Manicaland provincial youth chairman Knowledge Nyamhoka, party treasurer Brian James and Thando Sibanda, an MDC activist. Four ex-policemen -- Peter Nzungu, Wellington Tsuro, Jerry Maguta and Edwin Chikutya -- were also picked up in connection with the arms cache that was discovered in the eastern border town. However, the State dropped charges against the rest except Hitschmann. Through his lawyer Mr Blessing Nyamaropa, Hitschmann appealed for his freedom at the higher court, but Justice Alfas Chitakunye dismissed the application.

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