HARARE - The absence of a Cuban pathologist has stalled the trial of 29 MDC activists accused of killing a cop in Glen View, as the other five in custody launched a fresh bail bid.

Prosecutor Edmore Nyazamba told the court yesterday he was yet to get a response from the Cuban Embassy on the clearance of the last State witness Gabriel Aguero.

“We were supposed to resume trial today but we are faced with one minor challenge of calling the doctor who conducted autopsy on the body. There is no doubt the postponement or adjournment of this trial for the calling of a State witness is necessary and just in the expediency of justice,” said Nyazamba.

The activists’ lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, said the postponement of the matter was a changed circumstance prompting the fresh bail application.

“With respect there is nothing small with the plight of the 29 accused persons, five of whom are in custody and four under maximum security.

The four are in solitary confinement and two of them are women,” said Mtetwa.

High Court Judge Chinembiri Bhunu postponed the matter to next week Wednesday for the ruling on the application. - Tendai Kamhungira