In acquitting Mahlangu, together with his aide Malven Chadamoyo and two Hwange ladies, Magistrate Kudakwashe Jarabini said there was no evidence to show that Mahlangu and his co-accused persons had an intention to steal Chinotimba’s mobile handset, a Nokia 2310 phone, valued at US$40.

Jarabini said the possession of the mobile handset by the four accused persons was clearly explained in court.

The Magistrate stated that the explanations which were given in court for possessing the cell phone were disputed or challenged by the State. Magistrate Jarabini said the State evidence was contradictory especially the one given by Chinotimba.

Mahlangu was arrested in July together with his aide Malven Chadamoyo. The police later arrested two Hwange ladies, Geraldine Phiri and Patience Nyoni, for allegedly stealing and using Chinotimba’s sim card to communicating with their friends and relatives.

Observers say the acquittal of Mahlangu could prove that the police are targeting MDC lawmakers with arbitrary arrests without first carrying out investigations and establishing a reasonable suspicion that crime has been committed.

The observers said Mahlangu’s arrest, unlawful and prolonged detention and drawn-out trial were tools of persecution rather than prosecution. The acquittal of Mahlangu comes in the wake of renewed persecution of MDC members.

Several of the party’s legislators and supporters including human rights activists are ‘facing trumped-up charges,’ while others continue to be threatened.

Contact our Africa Desk

Sign up for our free weekly Newsletters:
The Security Newsletter is a detailed analysis of ongoing conflict around the world.
The Newslist Newsletter is a round-up of the 10 main stories appearing on the site during the previous week.

To subscribe to the Security Newsletter, please click here: ?subject=Security Newsletter&body=Security Newsletter>info@religiousintelligence.com

To subscribe to the Newslist Newsletter, please click here: ?subject=Newslist Newsletter&body=Newslist Newsletter>info@religiousintelligence.com



Copyright © 2009 ReligiousIntelligence.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

To request reprint rights please contact request>info@religiousintelligence.com