An MDC supporter Polite Zambezi, 39, yesterday appeared before a Mwenezi magistrate, Timeon Makunde facing spurious charges of undermining the authority of Robert Mugabe in a song.

According to Martin Mureri of Matutu Kwirira and Associates, who is representing Zambezi, the State is claiming that on 25 November, the accused who is a known MDC supporter was travelling in a commuter omnibus from Neshuro to Rutenga in Mwenezi when he sang a song which undermined Mugabe.

Zambezi denies the charges. The case number is CR 137/11/12.

"The State alleges that my client did not respect the office of the President," said Mureri.

"The State further alleges that the song contained derogatory statements that are dangerous and likely to trigger disharmony but in my opinion the State case lacks clear evidence since there is lack of consistency in the facts of the State case.

There is no clear evidence to suggest that the accused actually expressed derogatory words. The charges are politically motivated in order to silence suspected MDC supporters in Mwenezi", said Mureri.

The lawyer has since made an application for the matter to be referred to the Supreme Court.