The bail application of two leaders of Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) was deferred in the Harare High Court to the Thursday, the union said in a statement. Spokesperson Last Tarabuku said the state prosecutor told the court on Wednesday that he had nothing to present and that the previous prosecutor could not proceed with the case as he claimed to be related to one of the men. ZCTU president Lovemore Matombo and secretary general Wellington Chibebe are being charged with inciting people to rise against the government. The allegations arise from comments which the two made at this year’s May Day celebrations at the Dzivaresekwa stadium. ZCTU lawyer, Aleck Muchadema denied any relationship between the prosecutor and the accused, saying the lie was meant to delay the legal process.

Tarabuku said the judge then adjourned the court to 11.30am and ordered the state to present its response. The state failed to respond and the judge re-ordered that the state respond by 4.30pm on Wednesday. The application was postponed until Thursday. ZCTU said the state was deliberately delaying the process. The ZCTU’s application to the High Court comes after a Magistrate’s Court on Monday refused to grant the two men bail, claiming they were not suitable for bail and had to remain in custody, in the interest of justice. The Magistrate’s Court remanded the two into custody until May 23.

(Source)