HARARE - Chinhoyi magistrate Felix Mawadze yesterday dismissed businessman-cum-politician Temba Mliswa’s bid to have his political violence case moved to Harare.

Mliswa’s defence team led by Ray Chakwi of Kadzere, Hungwe and Mandevere law firm had argued their client would not get a fair trial in Chinhoyi citing political interference.

However, Mliswa’s application suffered a blow after Mawadze earlier on dismissed his application for bail and refusal of placement on remand.

Mawadze argued Mliswa was not a suitable candidate for bail considering the political volatility of the Zimonja area of Zvipani, Hurungwe West Constituency, where the violence allegedly took place.

The magistrate said releasing him on bail could trigger unrest.

The State successfully opposed the request and the latest application was dismissed on grounds that it would set a wrong precedence that all political cases can be moved to a different jurisdiction.

Mliswa has now been remanded to March 18 for trial.

Mliswa was arrested last week together with six other people in connection with intra-party political violence that rocked the area after a group of 13 youths allegedly attacked Hurungwe East legislator Sarah Mahoka and her entourage.

Two more persons have since been arrested over the alleged fracas.

The youths reportedly accused Mahoka of propping up Dorcas Bere to represent the party as Member of Parliament in the area ahead of Mliswa, who is also eyeing the seat.

Mahoka is also the Zanu PF Women’s League provincial chairperson for Mashonaland West. - Mugove Tafirenyika