THE names of the seven elected members of parliament from the opposition Movement for Democratic Change on the police wanted list and those who have been arrested so far, have been released.
The seven on the wanted list are: Pearson Mungofa, MP for Highfield East; Shepherd Mushonga, MP for Mazowe Central; Elton Mangoma, MP for Makoni North; Pineal Denga, MP for Mbare; Broadwin Nyaude, MP for Bindura South; and Edmore Marima, MP for Bikita East.
The following have been arrested for various offences and are either still in custody or have been released: Tendai Biti, MP for Harare East;Mischeck Shoko, MP for Chitungwiza South; Trevor Saruwaka, MP for Mutasa Central;Shuwa Mudiwa, MP for Mutare West;Amos Chibaya, MP for Mkoba;Heya Shoko, MP for Bikita West];Eliah Jembere, MP for Epworth; Naison Nemadziwa, MP for Buhera South;Eric Matinenga, MP for Buhera West;Ian Kay, MP for Marondera Centraland Norman Mpofu, MP for Bulilima East.
In addition to these MPs-elect, two Senators have also been arrested. They are John Masaba, Senator for Kariba and Lutho Tapera, Senator for Bulilima-Mangwe
The MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday with President Robert Mugabe said one of the preconditions of the talks was the release of all ‘political prisoners’.
Police commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena in recent statements has implied that the individuals detained are not political prisoners but ‘common criminals’ who should be tried in a court of law.
The negotiations between the ruling Zanu PF party and the MDC set to last for two weeks are likely to focus on possible deals for the detained 10 MPs-elect and the seven on the wanted list.
The seats of these MPs-elect, most of whom are in hiding, are now considered unsafe, unless a deal is struck between the two parties.
Section 42 provides that a member automatically loses his or her seat if convicted and sentenced to death or imprisonment for six months or more. Section 43 provides for expulsion of a convicted MP sentenced to a lesser sentence, if the House concerned decides by a vote of at least two-thirds of its total membership that the MP is unfit to continue in office.
As none of the parties holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament, the latter is unlikely to occur.
ARTICLE ATTACHMENTS
READER OPINIONS
Leo • Lt07@msn.com Subject: Talks can not go on like this Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:42:27 • Why is it that we have all those MDC MPs arrested or on wanted when the entire Zanu PF groups is guilt of killing people. I wish Jesse Jackson would test his surgical skills on Mugabe instead of Obama.
Tino Tonga • tonga@yahoo.co.uk Subject: Rule o Law Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:23:52 • We believe in the rule of law, and just because you do not like a law or its enforcers, it does not mean you should expet to break the law with impunity.
Lawbreakers belong in one place. let the Law take its course.
Dreads • na. Subject: AMNESTY Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:48:42 • Why not let's have a total amnesty to show we mean business - except for paedofiles and psychos who have killed and are likely to do so agen and agen.
SUBMITYOUROPINION
Please make sure you fill in all sections for your post to be submitted. Use n/a if not submitting details. The submission code below is case-sensitive. Also make sure you get confirmation that your comment has been submitted.
