The High Court of Zimbabwe found Patrick Cheza, a senior opposition politician from Midlands Province and close ally of Nelson Chamisa, not guilty on Tuesday. Three other people were also cleared of charges.
Cheza faced charges along with Magmaster Chidyawuye, Delight Zinyemba, and Courage Mugova. The state claimed they urged Citizens Coalition for Change members to attack Tourism Minister Barbra Rwodzi. This came after their vehicles crashed on the Charandura-Chaka gravel road before the 2023 elections.
Justice Sunsley Zisengwe at the Masvingo High Court approved Cheza's request to review the case. This came after Gweru Magistrate Beaulity Dube had refused to dismiss the charges earlier.
Cheza fought against the criminal case before his acquittal. He said the magistrate showed bias due to political pressure and violated his basic rights. The magistrate had kept the case going even though the main witnesses, including Minister Rwodzi, gave conflicting stories.
Cheza pointed out that the statements from Rwodzi and other state witnesses actually proved his innocence and that of his fellow defendants. He claimed the case was punishment for his stand against Zanu PF rule.
Cheza faced charges along with Magmaster Chidyawuye, Delight Zinyemba, and Courage Mugova. The state claimed they urged Citizens Coalition for Change members to attack Tourism Minister Barbra Rwodzi. This came after their vehicles crashed on the Charandura-Chaka gravel road before the 2023 elections.
Justice Sunsley Zisengwe at the Masvingo High Court approved Cheza's request to review the case. This came after Gweru Magistrate Beaulity Dube had refused to dismiss the charges earlier.
Cheza fought against the criminal case before his acquittal. He said the magistrate showed bias due to political pressure and violated his basic rights. The magistrate had kept the case going even though the main witnesses, including Minister Rwodzi, gave conflicting stories.
Cheza pointed out that the statements from Rwodzi and other state witnesses actually proved his innocence and that of his fellow defendants. He claimed the case was punishment for his stand against Zanu PF rule.
