News:Lumumba released on $400 bail

<vote /> Acie Lumumba who is facing charges of undermining the authority of the President has been granted US$400 bail. Provincial magistrate, Mr Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe ruled that the seriousness of an offence does not mean he can be denied bail. He also ordered Lumumba to reside at his given address and to report once a week at CID Law and Order. The magistrate also said that the fact that Lumumba presented himself to the police on Monday shows that he is not a flight risk and can stand trial.

The state through the investigating officer, Irvine Njanike had argued that the release of Lumumba will exacerbate the current disturbances in the country. However, Lumumba's lawyer Mr Mugiya argued that Lumumba is not that powerful to cause demonstrations.

The court has since set the 15th of July as the trial date for Lumumba after the state indicated investigations are complete and is ready for trial. Lumumba insulted President Robert Mugabe with the F-word during the launch of his party Viva Zimbabwe on the 30th of June in Harare.