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Acie Lumumba

Fungai Lupande : Court Reporter

FORMER zanu-pf activist William Mutumanje, also known as Acie Lumumba, has developed a knack for hiring and firing lawyers. Lumumba is charged with undermining President Mugabe’s authority. Yesterday a Harare magistrate chided Lumumba for “bringing a new lawyer for every court session”. This was after he brought Advocate Zvikomborero Chadambuka to represent him.In the last court session, Lumumba was represented by Advocate Nelson Chamisa.

Earlier on he had been represented by Mr Arshiel Mugiya.

Magistrate Mr Vakayi Chikwekwe yesterday inquired if the new advocate was instructed.

The defence counsel produced a letter from Lumumba’s first lawyer, Mr Mugiya, which Mr Chikwekwe said was not clear.

Prosecutor Mr Oscar Madhume said the matter was being continually postponed at the insistence of the accused.

To this Mr Chikwekwe said: “Accused you are confused, go and put your house on order.

“With so many lawyers in the country, I wonder how many you will bring to this case.”

The matter was adjourned to August 11.

Lumumba seeks Constitutional Court referral of his matter following the dismissal of his application challenging his placement on remand.

He said his constitutional rights as enshrined in the Constitution were being infringed upon.

Allegations are that on June 30 Lumumba said “Mr President Robert Gabriel Mugabe f*** you. I am drawing the red line, our kids are in trouble so it is a red line I know and my name is Lumumba, Lumumba, Lumumba . . . ”

He was addressing a press conference where he unveiled his political party.

It is further alleged that he went on to say that if anything happened to President Mugabe, his children would be dealt with.

“I am someone’s child, a war veteran’s child, you can touch me, but I hope you live long because God forbid something happens to you and you leave your kids, they will be touched too.”