Chibaya trial set for Wednesday
THE trial of MDC-Alliance national organising secretary Amos Chibaya, who is being charged for inciting violence, has been set for Wednesday.
Chibaya, who is being represented by Mr Reginald Chidawanyika of Chitere Chidawanyika Legal Practitioners, appeared before Gweru provincial magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa on charges of contravening Section 187 (1) (a) (b) of the criminal codification and reform Act Chapter 9:23.
It is alleged that Chibaya held a meeting with some civic organisations at his house where they planned the violence that rocked Gweru during the ZCTU and MDC-A organised protests.
After the meeting, Chibaya, who is the Member of Parliament for Mkoba, allegedly held another meeting with his party’s youths whom he instructed to embark on an orgy of violence.
Chibaya is accused of holding a meeting with civil organisation leaders at his house in Mkoba 13, before inciting MDC-Alliance youths to prevent members of the public from going to work from Monday to Wednesday.
He allegedly addressed the youths and made the following utterances, “As youths, you must make sure the shutdown is successful, no public transport must be allowed to operate, if anyone is seen operating any shop during January 14-16, close the shop totally, block all the roads leading to town.”
As a result of his utterances, it is alleged that youth gangs blocked Hamutyinei and Bristol roads in Mkoba which lead to the city centre, Matobo Road in Mutapa leading to town, using logs, stones and burning tyres, disrupting free movement of vehicular transport and the general public.
Furthermore, another gang went to Choppies Supermarket in Mkoba 6 and looted groceries worth $10 000, Flame Lilly Bar Mkoba 1 where they looted merchandise worth $1 363 and Samanyanga Shop in Mkoba 10 and looted various groceries valued at $2 500.
Chibaya is co-accused with 15 other suspected MDC-Alliance youths. Mr Samuel Pedzisai appeared for the State.
Meanwhile, Chiwundura Member of Parliament Livingstone Chimina, who is also facing similar allegations, was also remanded to March 3.
Chimina appeared before Gweru regional magistrate, Ms Phatekhile Msipa.