Self-proclaimed cleric cries foul

CONTROVERSIAL, self-proclaimed pastor Phillip Mugadza ( pictured right) yesterday appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Courts and sought immediate release claiming that he was over-detained.

Mugadza (46) allegedly prophesied that President Mugabe would die in October.

He is facing charges of causing offence to persons of a particular race, religion, tribe, colour, creed as defined in Section 42 (2) of the Criminal Law and Codification Act [Chapter 9:23].

Mugadza, who appeared before a Harare magistrate Ms Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro, said he was detained beyond the stipulated 48 hours.

Through his lawyers Messrs Gift Mtisi, Jeremiah Bamu and Obey Shava, Mugadza said his arrest and charge were illegal.

They said Mugadza’s rights were violated as he was detained for more than 48 hours.

“We have a preliminary complaint, that the accused’s rights were infringed as he was arrested on Monday at 9am and was brought to court at 10:12am yesterday,” said Mr Mtisi.

“Furthermore, upon arrest, he was told the charge of undermining the authority of the President. When he arrived at the station, he was charged with criminal nuisance and when he came to court, he was charged with causing offence to persons of a particular race, religion or tribe, alternatively criminal nuisance.”

The prosecutor, Ms Audrey Chogumaira, said they were delayed at the National Prosecuting Authority.

“I can confirm the 9am arrest, we are still to check with the investigating officer the time of release and coming to court. I hear they were delayed at the National Prosecuting Authority,” said Ms Chogumaira.

Ms Chogumaira told the court that on January 12, Mugadza was interviewed by The Zimbabwe Mail and said President Mugabe was to die in October according to his prophecy.

In the interview, Mugadza caused an offence and insulted the Christian religion and African tradition.

Ms Muchuchuti-Guwuriro remanded him for ruling today.