A white Zimbabwean on trial for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Robert Mugabe was denied bail for the fourth time on Friday in Mutare high court, as Judge Alphias Chatikanye ruled that Michael Peter Hitschmann might abscond.
Hitschmann faces charges under Zimbabwe's Public Order and Security Act for allegedly possessing weapons of banditry and terrorism with the intention of killing the president when Mr. Mugabe visited Mutare in February. Hitshmann was arrested in March along with opposition party officials who were subsequently released.
Hitschmann's lawyers, advocate Eric Matinenga and Trust Mhanda, said they will file an appeal of the bail ruling with Zimbabwe's supreme court on Monday.
Defender Mhanda briefed reporter Patience Rusere of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe on the latest in the case, which is being heard in Mutare high court.