SW Radio Africa (London)
Tererai Karimakwenda
25 May 2011
Officials at Khami Prison are reported to have informed lawyers for jailed Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF) leader, Paul Siwela, that the activist was admitted to hospital on Monday, after his blood pressure suddenly went up “uncontrollably”.
Siwela is facing treason charges, along with the two other MLF leaders, John Gazi and Paul Thomas. They were arrested on March 8th and accused of distributing fliers calling for the separation of Matabeleland province from the rest of Zimbabwe. They are also accused of plotting to overthrow the government.
Gazi and Thomas were released on bail last month but Siwela was further detained, after the state brought up a previous case that had not been resolved. The Supreme Court has since delayed hearing his bail appeal case, for reasons that are not explained. Lawyers this week filed a fresh application requesting a new hearing date.
Siwela’s lawyer, Lucas Nkomo, reportedly said the activist’s “blood pressure had gone too high” on Monday and he was admitted at Khami Prison Complex Hospital. Nkomo added that he hoped Siwela’s legal case would soon be finalized so he can consult a “personal medical specialist”.
Meanwhile there has been much speculation and discussion surrounding Siwela’s continued detention. And many rumours about this affair are circulating on social networking sites.
We were unable to contact Sindiso Mazibuso, a lawyer for the MLF leaders, to comment on Siwela’s health and continued detention. But there is clearly much more at play in this case.
The three MLF leaders are due to appear at the Bulawayo Magistrates’ Courts next Tuesday for their routine remand.
AllAfrica – All the Time