Former Zanu PF Youth League political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu has been denied bail by Magistrate Ngoni Nduna stating that his life is in danger and needs police protection.
He will be locked up in Police custody until October 27.
Tsenengamu, who was expelled from Zanu PF in March over an anti-corruption crusade which upset the party’s donors, is facing a charge of inciting the public to commit violence back in July.
He was arrested last Friday after he handed himself to the police complaining that unidentified people were stalking him and his family.
Nduna said Tsenengamu is no longer safe in the society, and the best way to keep him safe was to lock him in prison.
He appeared before the Magistrate after spending the weekend in custody.
He stated that the law of bail is very clear that the movement of an accused person can be restricted due to prevailing circumstances.
Magistrate Nduna denied him bail on Tuesday saying he needs protective custody because his life is in danger if they release him.
“The accused was flushed out of hiding seeking protection from unknown persons who were stalking him and the court is aware of this,” said Nduna.
“He did not wilfully surrender himself to the police but was driven there by fears for his life, hence submissions by the State are a relevant factor to keep him safe from danger.”
Tsenengamu’s lawyers had insisted that he was fit for bail because MDC Alliance vice chairman Job Sikhala, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume were all granted bail yet they are facing the same charges.
Nduna said the fact presented by the defence that others facing the same charges are out on bail was relevant, but noted that their lives were not in danger.
The magistrate said the threats against Tsenengamu’s life are so serious that he sought refuge at a police station.
Tsenengamu claimed that unidentified men were always following him thus the state argues that he is safe behind bars.
The former ZANU PF chair is facing charges of inciting public violence over the anti government protest slated in July.
During his court appearance on Saturday ,Tsenengamu’s lawyer Harrison Nkomo told the court that his married, has four children and was never convicted before is a good candidate for bail.
‘Nkomo also argued that his client would not leave the country since borders were closed due to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Tsenengamu’s lawyer said they will appeal for bail at the High Court.
