Zimbabwe: Trial of Williams and Mahlangu postponed
Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, leaders of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), appeared in Bulawayo Magistrate's Court this morning before a packed courtroom. They were on trial for charges relating to the combined cases of the 16 October 2008 case and a 19 June 2004 arrest. The state, represented by Mr. Shawarira, was not ready for trial however and so Magistrate Msipa postponed the trial until 22 January 2009.
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
Tuesday 2nd December
Trial of Williams and Mahlangu postponed to 22 January 2009
JENNI Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu, leaders of Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA), appeared in Bulawayo Magistrate's Court this morning before a packed courtroom. They were on trial for charges relating to the combined cases of the 16 October 2008 case and a 19 June 2004 arrest. The state, represented by Mr. Shawarira, was not ready for trial however and so Magistrate Msipa postponed the trial until 22 January 2009. All bail and reporting conditions were removed after an application for relaxation by the defence.
The pair had been charged under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act with disturbing the peace for the 2008 case and under the Miscellaneous Offences Act (which was replaced in 2006) with breaching the peace for the 2004 case. None of the state witnesses were present in the courtroom for the 2008 matter. Only one of the state witnesses for the 2004 matter was present.
Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu look forward to travelling outside of a 40 kilometre radius of Bulawayo and thank all friends who offered their solidarity.