Student in trouble over Baba Jukwa

0207-HR0092-1-1-PAGE4Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
A 20-YEAR-OLD University of Zimbabwe student will regret the day he sent an e-mail to the shadowy Facebook character Baba Jukwa soliciting for guns to start a war “fighting for democracy.”
Romeo Tanyaradzwa Musemburi a third year student reading for a degree in economics, allegedly sent the e-mail via his Gmail account which read: “We want pfuti (guns) give us and we will hit the streets and fight for democracy.”

Musemburi, however, told the court that he could not disclose some information to the police because of fear instilled in him during investigations.

When asked by magistrate, Mr Vakayi Chikwekwe, if he had any complaints against the police, Musemburi said “I felt threatened during investigations such that I could not say certain things.”

Mr Chikwekwe told him that he meant complaints such as being assaulted or denied food while in police custody to which he said he had none.

Musemburi was yesterday remanded in custody on charges of attempting to subvert a constitutionally elected Government or alternatively attempting to commit an act of insurgency, banditry, sabotage or terrorism.

Mr Chikwekwe advised him that the charges he was facing were serious, hence he should approach the High Court for bail since he had no jurisdiction to entertain a bail application on insurgency and banditry.  Musemburi was remanded in custody to July 16 for routine remand. Upon conviction, the offence carries a life sentence. Harare lawyer Mr Tonderai Bhatasara is acting on his behalf.

Appearing for the State, Mr Michael Reza, alleged that on August 3 last year Musemburi who resides in Waterfalls, wrote an e-mail to Baba Jukwa requesting for weapons.

He sent the e-mail through his Gmail account [email protected].

According to the State the e-mail had the effect of attempting to commit an act of insurgency, banditry, sabotage and terrorism with a view to overthrow the Government through unconstitutional means.

Musemburi’s arrest follows that of The Sunday Mail editor Edmund Kudzayi and his brother Phillip who are facing the same charges. In addition Edmund is facing two other charges of undermining the authority of the President and keeping ammunition in an unsecured place.

They are still in custody pending their bail hearing at the High Court.

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