THE 29 suspected MDC-T activists charged with the murder of a police inspector in Glen View, yesterday applied for bail pending trial at the High Court.
Harare lawyer Mr Charles Kwaramba made the application in respect of 27 of the suspects who had been out of custody until their indictment two weeks ago. Mr Gift Mutisi separately applied for the release of Solomon Madzore and Paul Rukanda who have been in custody since last year. Mr Kwaramba told the court that his 27 clients had religiously adhered to the bail conditions up to the time they were remanded in custody on indictment. He said his clients never attempted to abscond despite knowledge of their nearing indictment and trial date.
"They continued abiding with the bail conditions," said Mr Kwaramba.
The court heard that the State case was weak and that nothing would induce the suspects to escape when released on bail.
"There is no good reason why the accused persons should remain in custody. As far as the defence is concerned, the State case is weaker. The addition of a new charge of public violence shows that the State is actually on a fishing expedition. We believe the crafting of an additional charge is a climb-down by the State or tacit admission that the case is not solid on the murder. I have no doubt that the accused persons are proper candidates for bail at this stage," he said.
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