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Edmund Kudzai

Fungai Jachi Court Reporter
A Harare magistrate yesterday granted an application by Sunday Mail editor Edmund Kudzayi for the temporary release of his passport as he intends to travel to Washington for the World Newspaper Congress next month.

Kudzayi surrendered his passport to the Clerk of Court as part of bail requirements.

The passport has expired.

He needs the expired passport to apply for a new one.

The magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe ordered the release of the passport on condition that Kudzayi hands it back on June 10 on his return from Washington.

Kudzayi’s lawyers said their client was requested by his employer to attend the congress running from June 1-3.

“Zimpapers has requested for Edmund, who is The Sunday Mail editor, to attend a congress in USA. His passport has since expired therefore he intends to apply for a new one and he cannot do so without the old one.

“The court should note that the prosecutor general’s office has consented to the release of the passport,” he said.

The prosecutor Mr Sebastian Mutizirwa did not object to the release of the passport.

He implored the court to ensure the travel document is returned by June 10.

Edmund and his brother Phillip are accused of being the main characters behind the shadowy Facebook blog Baba Jukwa.

It is the State’s case that sometime in April 2013, Edmund hatched a plan with Philip to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means.

It is alleged he created a Gmail account, [email protected], using a mobile phone line registered in Philip’s name, but used by Edmund.

The two allegedly formed two separate groups called the Gunda Nleya Brigade and the Zimbabwe Revolutionary Army with the purposes of overthrowing the Government.

Edmund allegedly posted articles on the Baba Jukwa Facebook page, which encouraged rebellion against Government if the July 31 general elections “were stolen”.