Mutodi finally  granted bail

Singer-businessman Energy Mutodi was yesterday granted $100 bail and was asked to report to police every Friday.

Mutodi was arrested on 10 August over a Facebook article entitled:  “Why choosing a successor is a difficult job”.

Authorities say the article posted on 6 August is likely to cause disaffection among members of the defence forces.

Mutodi wrote that there have been more than 200 successful and unsuccessful coups in Africa since 1960, adding:  “Unwillingness to peacefully handover power, failure to name a successor, ruthless crushing of dissent, economic mismanagement and state capture by those close to the incumbent are among the reasons why coups are rampant in Africa.”

“African leaders are to a large extent obsessed with power, do not know when to stop, commit countless crimes while in office and delegate power to their family members much to the disappointment of the military.

“While a military takeover maybe farfetched in Zimbabwe, it is important for President Mugabe to be careful in naming his successor. Any suspicion of unfairness or discrimination on account of tribalism or factionalism may backfire."

Mutodi argued that his article is based on his constitutional right to freedom of expression.

He was remanded to tomorrow at his initial appearance.

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