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Edison Hlatshwayo remains in custody
Students Solidarity Trust
October 22, 2007

The state today opposed bail for jailed Great Zimbabwe Student Executive Council (SEC), Secretary General Edison Hlatshwayo. A Masvingo magistrate had granted him a five million dollar bail on condition that he would deposit his passport to the Masvingo Magistrate court. The state led by a prosecutor only identified as Chauromwa (Dhewa) opposed bail citing section 1.21 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act. Outside the courtroom, he even declared that he would resign if the student leader is released on bail. He has become the second state official to show a hard heart against the jailed student leader. Assistant inspector Mutandiri from the Masvingo central, law and order section assaulted Edison while in custody and even vowed that he will not rest until the student leader is jailed. His health is deteriorating due to inhuman prison conditions and injuries sustained when assaulted by Inspector Mutandiri.

Edison was arrested while attending a Youth Forum meeting on 27 September in Masvingo town. Today he appeared in court for a record eight times. He is being charged on allegations of malicious injury to property following disturbances that rocked Great Zimbabwe University early September. He is expected back in court on 29 October for further bail hearing.

Meanwhile three students who were remanded in custody on Saturday will be back in court today for bail hearing. The three: George Makamure, Brenda and Oglive Makova are being charged with contempt of court after the state alleged that they demonstrated at Masvingo Magistrate court in solidarity with Edison Hlatshwayo.The same court is set to hear the case of the National Constitutional Assembly Spokesperson and Former student leader Mardock Chivasa.He is being charged with undermining police authority. He is out on bail.

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