HARARE – Faith Zaba, the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent arrested for “undermining the authority of the president” was remanded in custody on Wednesday as prosecutors considered a medical report from her lawyers before deciding whether to oppose bail.
Zaba, 55, is accused of publishing a column with the title, ‘When you become a mafia state,’ which had a picture of President Emmerson Mnangagwa shaking hands with Daniel Chapo, the president of Mozambique.
Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu said “this was meant to instil public hostility against the president.”
Zaba’s lawyer Chris Mhike said they were minded to challenge her placement on remand but recognised that this would result in Zaba spending time in prison while legal arguments continued.
“We definitely believe there are problems with the charge, however we realise that challenging remand will result in prejudice to my client. So we will not be opposing placement on remand in line with the significant delays that will arise if we challenge remand,” Mhike said.
The lawyer told court that Zaba was unwell and submitted her medical history.
The prosecutor asked magistrate Vakai Chikwekwe to postpone the bail hearing to Thursday morning to allow them time to examine the medical files.
Mhike said they were “naturally disappointed that Zaba must spend another night in custody at a time she is not feeling well” adding: “A prison is not the best of places for people who are unwell, the court must place on record that the state has not dismissed our submissions on the state of health of the accused.
“It is our hope that such an allowance (postponement) would enable the state to attend to all the necessary administrative processes.
“We only seek the prosecution’s assurance that there will be no further delay on tomorrow’s proceedings and that the accused will be allowed medical attention while in detention.”
Zaba will return to court at 11.15AM on Thursday.
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