The state no longer intends to prosecute VIVA Zimbabwe leader Acie Lumumba, on charges of insulting President Robert Mugabe because a similar case was previously thrown out by the country’s top court.
Lumumba, real name William Gerald Mutumanje, was a prominent Zanu PF activist and pro-Mugabe cheerleader before he quit the ruling party in disgust to form his own political party.He publicly said to Mugabe “F**k you” while launching his party, resulting in his arrest for allegedly undermining the now 93-year-old veteran leader’s authority.
However, the full constitutional court bench, led by Chief Justice Luke Malaba, struck the case off the roll Wednesday with no order as to costs, saying the decision was by consent of both parties.
Represented the State Edmore Nyazamba told court that their decision to withdraw charges was informed by the constitutional court’s ruling in the case of Harare lawyer Douglas Mwonzora who was cleared on similar charges.
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| Acie Lumumba |
Meanwhile, Nyazamba said they would officially withdraw charges at the Harare magistrate’s court on June 12 which is Mutumanje’s next remand date.
Lumumba landed in the dock after he uttered an F-word slur in relation to Mugabe. He was on charges of insulting or undermining the authority of the President.
According to the State on 30 June last year, Lumumba, during the launch of his political party, insulted the veteran leader saying “f**k you Mugabe.”
When trial commenced, the activist denied the charges, arguing that he had the right to say what he said since he is Mugabe’s political opponent.
He told court that his utterances were an expression of displeasure over how Mugabe has led the country since independence in 1980.
He applied for the case to be referred to Constitutional court, arguing that his arrest and prosecution was a violation of his rights.
Source: New Zimbabwe
