Prosecutor Charles Muchemwa has said that that during the period extending from December 28 to31, 2018, MP Chalton Hwende posted on his ...
Prosecutor Charles Muchemwa has said that that during the period extending from December
28 to31, 2018, MP Chalton Hwende posted on his Twitter handle messages that in
their nature had the effect of inciting the people to revolt against the
Government both in his personal capacity and as a Movement for Democratic
Change-Alliance Member of Parliament for Kuwadzana East constituency.
Hwende’s Twitter posts allegedly incited the public to
overthrow the constitutionally elected Government of Zimbabwe by engaging in
mass protests characterised by violence hooliganism.
Mr Muchemwa said Hwende’s Twitter messages told members of
the public that 2019 should be the year of the final push to what he called a
new Zimbabwe.
“We can’t continue on this trajectory of failure and
kwashiorkor of leadership. Enough is enough? In January, citizens must organise
themselves for a complete shutdown of the country. Stay at home, no one will
shoot you.”
He further alleged that Hwende posted a message to the
effect that 2019 was the year of rolling mass action against President
Mnangagwa.
“We voted for @nelsonchamisa and we must be prepared like
the thousands of gallant liberation struggle heroes to die defending our right
to choose the president of our choice #2019ChamisamuOffice,” tweeted Hwende.
“During the period between January 14-16, in response to
the Twitter messages by the accused and others, members of the opposition,
various trade unionists, pressure groups, youth forums and the general public
of Zimbabwe committed various acts of public violence and hooliganism
countrywide,” Mr Muchemwa told the court .
The State alleges that as a result of the nationwide public
violence committed by demonstrators following incitement by Hwende, lives were
lost, multitudes of members of the public and police officers were injured,
while some police institutions were attacked. Some police vehicles were damaged
and burnt beyond recognition.
Hwende was remanded in custody to March 20 and advised to apply
for bail at the High Court.
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