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Zim formally charges SA men
07/04/2008 15:49 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Two SA satellite technicians arrested in Zimbabwe were formally charged with defeating the ends of justice in a Harare court on Monday, the brother of one of the men said.
Abdulla Gaibee and Sipho Maseko had been waiting to hear if their application to the High Court for their release from illegal detention would be heard when they were summoned to the magistrate's court, said Ebrahim Gaibee.
"They were taken to the magistrate's court and formally charged with defeating the ends of justice ... in colluding with other parties for their acquittals," said Gaibee.
The two men were arrested on March 28 and were acquitted of contravening the information and protection of privacy act last Friday.
However, they were re-arrested as they left the Harare court, seemingly under the premise that the judge's ruling was not "proper". Necessary accreditation
The men were in Zimbabwe under the employ of Globecast, which has been providing satellite services to some broadcasters covering the Zimbabwean election.
The company said the men received the necessary accreditation to work in the country.
Gaibee said he did not know who the state thought his brother and Maseko had been colluding with.
"What other parties and who we don't know," he said.
The formal charge means that the application brought before the High Court for their release was null and void.
"Every time we step forward something knocks us back," said Gaibee.
He said the family was trying to stay strong, but they were worried about Abdulla. Sleeping on the floor
"It's really taking its toll now. He had a slight condition of bronchitis which is now worse. He's sleeping on the floor and is in an open shelter for long periods of time.
"Abdulla's been kept in isolation for two days now," said Gaibee.
He said Abdulla had been returned to Harare central police station and it was believed that Maseko, a diabetic who was being hospitalised for his dangerously high blood sugar levels, had been taken back to Saint Anne's Hospital.
Gaibee said lawyers were drafting a new bail application.
"As soon as they file, hopefully today (Monday) or tomorrow, the matter will be heard," he said.
- SAPA
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Zimbabwe Special Report
