Case against top Zimbabwean prime minister’s aide Roy Bennett delayed again
By APWednesday, March 31, 2010
Case against top Zimbabwean aide delayed again
HARARE, Zimbabwe — A court has adjourned a case against a top aide to Zimbabwe’s prime minister in another setback for the country’s fragile coalition government.
The trial of Roy Bennett began in October and has been frequently delayed. Judge Chinembiri Bhunu said Wednesday he cannot rule on an application to dismiss charges against Bennett until May 10.
Bennett, a top aide to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, has pleaded not guilty to weapons and insurgency charges that could carry the death penalty.
The case against Bennett stems from allegations of a plot to topple President Robert Mugabe.
Tsvangirai says the charges are baseless and part of efforts by Mugabe loyalists to undermine the coalition formed last year between the longtime rivals.
