Mphoko's Trial To Be Held On Camera To Protect State Secrets - Report
Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s trial will be held on camera after the state reportedly observed some issues that fell under the Official Secrecy Act and asked the court to hold the trial on camera, Newsday reports.
The state even wanted Mphoko’s wife and daughter excused from the trial after the court barred the public and journalists from attending the trial before the magistrate Trynos Utawashe said his wife and daughter would be allowed to attend the trial in order to protect the accused’s rights.
Mphoko’s lawyer opposed the state’s application which was led by Lovack Masuku to block Mphoko’s family from attending the trial and said:
The State cannot arbitrarily take away that right; you cannot take him away from his family members. The close family members cannot be excluded from the rights of the accused person. The proceedings in this court are not regulated by the Official Secrecy Act.
The Magistrate Trynos Utawashe ruled that Mphoko’s family can attend the trial that will be held on camera. Mphoko is facing criminal abuse of office charges after he reportedly matched into Avondale police station and demanded the release of ZINARA boss who had been arrested on corruption charges.
More: Newsday