HARARE – Faith Zaba, the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent held since Tuesday on charges of undermining the authority of the president, was freed on $200 bail on Friday.
The charges stem from a weekly column in the paper which appeared under the title, ‘When you become mafia state.’ It featured an old picture of President Emmerson Mnangagwa greeting his Mozambican counterpart, Daniel Chapo.
Takudzwa Jambawu, prosecuting, alleged that the contents of the article were false in material and designed to engender feelings of hostility by the citizens of Zimbabwe towards the president.
In granting her bail, Chikwekwe said bail is a constitutional right.
The magistrate also said there was no point to further detain Zaba considering conditions proposed by the state.
“In the present case, the fears of the state have been allayed by the bail conditions which the defence agreed with,” said the magistrate.
Chikwekwe ordered Zaba to surrender her passport with the clerk of court, continue residing at her given address, not to interfere with witnesses and to report once every Friday at CID Law and Order Harare.
She is expected back in court on July 29 for her routine remand.
Zaba is represented by Chris Mhike and Nontokozo Dube.
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