HARARE - Lawyers representing 29 MDC activists accused of killing a police officer two years ago have requested for more time to prepare an application for discharge at the High Court.

The MDC activists, who include youth leader Solomon Madzore and two councillors, are on trial at the High Court for the alleged murder of police inspector Petros Mutedza.

Mutedza died in May 2011 after a clash between the law enforcement agents and a mob at a bar in Harare’s Glen View suburb.

“The matter will be heard on April 23, a time when we would have made written submissions regarding our application for discharge to the presiding judge.

“We hope to make our submission by this Friday and the State will also need a week to respond,” said Gift Mtisi, who is part of the legal team representing the 29 activists.

Prosecutor Edmore Nyazamba closed the State case on March 11, prompting defence lawyers to give notice that they would apply for the case against the 29 to be dropped.

Out of the 29 suspects, only five remain in remand prison after their bail bid was turned down by Judge Chinembiri Bhunu, who ruled that they were a flight risk and that the State had a strong case against them.

The activists are charged with murder or alternatively public violence as defined in Sections 47 and 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. - Xolisani Ncube