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Minister Elton Mangoma arrested
Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition
October 10, 2012

Harare police on Wednesday the 10th of October 2012 arrested Energy and Power Development Minister Elton Mangoma for allegedly insulting President Robert Mugabe.

Hon Mangoma was picked up from his offices at 1530hrs and is currently detained at the Harare Central Police Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Law and Order Section.

According to the arresting officer, one Detective Sergeant Kamzimbi, Hon Mangoma allegedly said, "Mugabe Chifa, Mugabe Chibva" (Loosely translated Mugabe die, Mugabe go), while addressing MDC supporters in Bindura, at a rally which was held 7 months ago.

Mangoma's arrest is the third one in less than two years. Last year police twice arrested Mangoma for allegedly abusing public office by favouring foreign companies in the procurement of fuel and the awarding of tenders to procure some electricity meter readers.

In an interview with Crisis Report Team, the MDC-T Spokesperson Hon Douglas Mwonzora condemned the arrest, stating that it is meant to weaken the MDC party as preparations for the Second All Stakeholders Conference are current underway.

Hon Mwonzora further said, "The arrest is a shock but not surprising and rather suspicious as it comes barely two days after Minister Mangoma ordered for the compensation of Chisumbanje villagers for their farming land losses, and ZANU PF are not happy with the move that Minister Mangoma has stood for justice of the disadvantaged farmers."

Minister Mangoma is being represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) member lawyers Selby Hwacha and Beatrice Mtetwa.

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