Lovemore Madhuku, the lawyer for Former Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo has revealed that his client was granted permission to appear in court wearing suits instead of the normal prison uniform. Chombo was granted $5 000 bail by High Court judge Justice Edith Mushore after a fortnight in custody. Prior, to that he had been detained by alleged members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces after he was apprehended during Operation Restore Legacy. Madhuku dismissed claims that his client received special treatment, saying that most people were ignorant of their rights. Said Madhuku
There is no law that compels one to come to court in prison uniform if they are on remand.
People are just not aware that they can opt to wear their home clothes.
Anyone can come to court with their usual clothes if they so wish.
He [Chombo] requested to put on his clothes and it was granted because it’s within the provisions of the law.
People should really be aware of such things and be able to exercise their rights where permitted by law.
It is a different case in the prison itself because of obvious security reasons and identification, the inmates should all be in uniform.
Chombo is facing charges of fraud, criminal abuse of office and contravening the Prevention of Corruption Act, with some of the offences alleged to have been committed 20 years ago.
More: The Standard
Back to top