An opposition politician got a year in prison for calling the president a dog. Gadzamoyo Dewa was sentenced for insulting Emmerson Mnangagwa during a bus trip, accusing him of stealing public funds. The Bindura magistrate court convicted him under laws against undermining presidential authority. He is currently serving his sentence at a local prison.
The incident occurred on a public bus passing through the Shashi Mountains. A witness testified that Dewa's insults provoked other passengers, who nearly assaulted him. The witness alerted police at a tollgate, leading to the arrest. Dewa claimed his comments were about his own presidential ambitions for the next election.
His defense argued that the conversation was in English and misunderstood. He stated he is a victim of political persecution targeting his opposition party. The magistrate dismissed his bail application following the sentencing. His lawyer has filed an appeal against both the conviction and the jail term with the High Court.
Dewa previously ran for parliament against the first lady. He also took former president Robert Mugabe to court in the past. The case highlights tensions within the country's political landscape. The appeal process will determine if the conviction and sentence are upheld.
The incident occurred on a public bus passing through the Shashi Mountains. A witness testified that Dewa's insults provoked other passengers, who nearly assaulted him. The witness alerted police at a tollgate, leading to the arrest. Dewa claimed his comments were about his own presidential ambitions for the next election.
His defense argued that the conversation was in English and misunderstood. He stated he is a victim of political persecution targeting his opposition party. The magistrate dismissed his bail application following the sentencing. His lawyer has filed an appeal against both the conviction and the jail term with the High Court.
Dewa previously ran for parliament against the first lady. He also took former president Robert Mugabe to court in the past. The case highlights tensions within the country's political landscape. The appeal process will determine if the conviction and sentence are upheld.
