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Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
The recently-elected Harare East National Assembly member Cde Terence Mukupe led a group of youths that besieged Mabvuku Police Station and ordered the officer-in-charge to remove his uniform if he wanted to be a politician, the court heard yesterday.

The court also heard that Cde Mukupe was trying to rescue seven Zanu-PF members who were arrested for invading an open space in New Tafara leased to Shelter Zimbabwe by Harare City Council.

The seven are Jonasi Jonasi, Brian Mungwari, Richard Yuda, Emmanuel Kamuchira, Darlington Mutambara, Nevedi Takundikana and Linah Munhenzva.

They are facing criminal trespass charges in contravention of section 132 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.

The seven are represented by their lawyer Mr Musindo Hungwe.

While testifying against granting of bail for the seven, the investigating officer, Constable Batsirai Gadzai said Cde Mukupe was subsequently arrested.

“He came leading a group of youths and they stormed the officer-in-charge’s office, referring to him as a small child. He also told him that if he wanted to be a politician he should take off his uniform.”

Prosecutor Mr Michael Reza, alleged that on Monday the accused went to an open space in New Tafara owned by Harare City Council.

It is alleged that the group unlawfully erected their cabins and distributed the land between themselves.

They set up bill boards at the site with the names of their housing co-operatives.

The group allegedly threatened to use violence against the police and the lessee, Shelter Zimbabwe.

The accused were arrested at the site while blocking Shelter Zimbabwe employees.

Harare magistrate Mr Francis Mapfumo, adjourned the matter to today for bail application continuation.