Date set for Bennett trial
2009-10-19 22:39
Special Report
Chinese vice premier Wang Yang has urged Zimbabwe to ensure peace and political stability ahead of elections this year.
Mutare - Roy Bennett, a top aide to Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, will go on trial on terrorism charges on November 9, the Mutare High Court said on Monday.
Bennett was in court to hear Judge Joseph Musakwa fix the November 9 date in a case which has prompted Tsvangirai to suspend his MDC party's involvement in the unity government.
"The state has undertaken to provide all relevant documents as soon as possible," said the judge.
State attorney, Johaness Tomana, said the trial should be quickly concluded as any delays would impact the future of the inclusive government.
"The government will also have an interest to have this matter finalised as soon as possible," Tomana said.
Bennett was first arrested in February on his return from South Africa to take up the post of deputy agriculture minister in the unity government. Released on bail, he was re-arrested last week, prompting Tsvangirai's decision. A court ordered him released on bail once again on Friday.
Tsvangirai described Bennett's case as proof that his party had an "unreliable and unrepentant partner" in the unity government with President Robert Mugabe.
- SAPA
