Mphoko's Bail Conditions Scrapped

Former Vice President Phelekhezela Mphoko’s reporting conditions have been scrapped by Harare Regional Magistrate Trynois Utahwashe after his lawyer successfully argued that COVID-19 cases in Plumtree posed a risk to the former VP who has to report to a police station regularly, Daily News reports.

According to the publication, Mphoko’s lawyer Zibusiso Ncube argued that:

The accused person’s reporting conditions still persist, but just on Friday it was reported that people that interacted with court officials tested positive for coronavirus in Plumtree, which is close to Bulawayo where the accused person resides

…By virtue of his status, the accused person has two police officers guarding him such that no prejudice will be suffered by the State if reporting conditions are removed.

Mphoko’s case will be back in court on 23 June. where his application for an exception on grounds that he was protected by presidential immunity when he allegedly committed the offence will be heard.

Mphoko is facing criminal abuse of office charges as the state alleges he marched into Avondale Police Station and demanded that 2 ZINARA officials who had been arrested on corruption charges be released.

More: Daily News