ENERGY and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma yesterday appeared at the Bindura Magistrates' Court charged with undermining or insulting the authority of the President. Mangoma is being accused of insulting President Robert Mugabe while addressing an MDC-T gathering at Manhenga business centre in Bindura on May 18 this year.

Magistrate Mr Felix Mawadze set the trial for December 12.

Mangoma, who appeared in court on summons, was remanded out of custody.

Harare lawyer Mr Selby Hwacha of Dube, Manikai and Hwacha appeared for Mangoma while Mashonaland Central area public prosecutor Mr Emmanuel Muchenga represented the State.

Prosecutor Mr Munyaradzi Mataranyika assisted Mr Muchenga.

Allegations against Mangoma arose on May 18 this year when he addressed about 140 MDC-T supporters who were gathered at Manhenga business centre.

The supporters had gathered to witness the handover of a Nissan Atlas truck and a computer donated to the party in Mashonaland Central.

In the middle of his address, Mangoma allegedly chanted a slogan in Shona saying:

"Chifa Mugabe chifa, Chibva Mugabe chibva".

Literally translated, the statement meant:

"Die Mugabe die. Go Mugabe go".

According to the State, the utterances had the impact of undermining or insulting the authority of the President.

The words allegedly inspired the feelings of hostility towards the President.