Government delays VOP directors trial

By Tererai Karimakwenda
16 June 2006

Just as many media practitioners had expected, the government Thursday delayed the trial of the seven directors of the Voice of the People (VOP) radio station who are accused of violating Zimbabwe's oppressive media laws. The Prosecutor Justin Uladi informed the court that an expert from the state appointed broadcasting authority who was supposed to give evidence, had travelled to Switzerland on business. Defence lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said this was unacceptable and questioned why a witness would travel overseas knowing he was expected in court. She said the prosecution had told them on Wednesday they were ready for trial. The trial is now scheduled to begin September 25.

The seven directors of VOP are Arnold Tsunga, Millie Phiri, Isabella Matambanadzo, David Masunda, Nhlanhla Ngwenya, Lawrence Chibwe and John Masuku. They were arrested in December and January and accused of possessing and using broadcast transmission equipment without a licence.
The charges command a Z$5-million penalty or a 2-year jail term.

The station’s offices in Harare were searched and ransacked by police in December. At that time they arrested staff members Maria Nyanyiwa, Takunda Chigwanda and Nyasha Bosha and kept them in custody for four days while blackmailing the directors to turn themselves in. These staff members also face trial along with the directors.