Siwela running scared

Politics
FORMER Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF) activist Paul Siwela jumped the border for fear of being assassinated amid claims that police failed to protect him

FORMER Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF) activist Paul Siwela jumped the border for fear of being assassinated amid claims that the police failed to protect him. RICHARD MUPONDE Senior Court Reporter

He did not escape from the treason charges he faces — a letter written by him has revealed.

The letter written by Siwela on August 24 was handed over to the trial judge Justice Nicholas Ndou on Thursday.

The letter which Southern Eye had sight of read: “I write to inform you that I received a phone call from an anonymous caller on the midnight of August 17 2013 warning me of imminent assassination of my person. The caller reminded me of the past failed or aborted attempts and that the next attempt was scheduled to be a success and to be effected within the next 24 hours,” the letter which has the Attorney-General’s Office’s date stamp, dated December 4, read.

“Several reports in the past were made to Queens Park Police Station and request for police protection was made without success leaving me with only one option that is to leave the country. Refer to reference Queens Park CR 02/11/11.

“It must be made clear and be understood that I did not run away from the pending treason trial at the High Court in Bulawayo but escaped assassination attempts.

“If my security of person could be guaranteed by the government of Zimbabwe, I am prepared to be available for the conclusion of the treason trial as I honestly know and believe there is no case against me and shall be exonerated from the accusation.”

The letter is also accompanied by another letter from police in Queens Park Police Station dated November 29 2011 advising Siwela that the police were investigating the matter.

Contacted for comment, Bulawayo police spokesperson, Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo could not confirm nor deny Siwela’s report to the police about attempts on his life and referred the paper to his superior Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi whom he said had the details about the report.

“Phone the headquarters in Harare. They have the details you are looking for. Call Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi he will give you the details,” Inspector Moyo said.

However, Nyathi has not been answering his mobile phone since Friday.

Siwela was issued with a warrant of arrest on Thursday after he failed to turn up at the determination of an application of discharge at the close of the State case they made in October last year.

He was supposed to have appeared together with his co-accused Charles Thomas and John Gazi.

The State, represented by Lovack Masuku and Samuel Pedzisai, unveiled the letter allegedly written by Siwela which they said they got from one of Siwela his lawyers Sindiso Mazibisa.

In his ruling, Justice Ndou ordered that a warrant of arrest be issued against Siwela.

Justice Ndou also dismissed an application for discharge by Thomas saying since he was found in possession of subversive flyers, there were no clear reasons why he should not be placed on defence to prove his case.

Justice Ndou acquitted Gazi saying evidence brought to court did not link him in any way with the distribution of the said subversive flyers and there were a lot of contradictions in evidence brought to court against him by witnesses.

Thomas will come back on January 7 for continuation of trial.