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MDC Castigates The NPA For 'Persecuting' Rather Than 'Prosecuting' The Accused

MDC Castigates The NPA For 'Persecuting' Rather Than 'Prosecuting' The Accused

The MDC has castigated the manner in which the State, through the National Prosecuting Authority, abuses court processes and end up persecuting rather than prosecuting the accused.

This follows the revelations in court yesterday that Chief prosecutor Michael Reza chided a magistrate involved in the trial of MDC senior official Tendai Biti. Reza allegedly wrote a text message to a fellow prosecutor that the magistrate was either very brave or stupid for allowing journalists to live stream Biti’s trial without the approval of the Chief Justice.

MDC spokesperson Jacob Mafume said

The revelation that Michael Reza is questioning the decision by a Harare magistrate allowing journalists to live stream, Hon. Tendai Biti’s trial is not only shocking but unacceptable.

This is clearly contemptuous of the court and a clear expression of personal interest in the matter.

This bias is, however, a reflection of wider challenges within the National Prosecution Authority. The Constitution makes it clear that the NPA must be independent. However, Reza has exposed his bias in contravention of this principle.

We have also stated that all the cases against vice-president Morgen Komichi, Honourable Biti, Honourable Happymore Chidziva have nothing to do with prosecution but persecution. Reza’s text message vindicates our view.

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