HARARE - A Zimbabwean rights group has demanded the finalisation of the trial of 29 MDC members facing charges of murdering a police officer in Glen View early last year in May.

ZimRights said August 2012 marks the 15th month of detention for the 29 Glen View residents who have been charged for the murder of Inspector Petros Mutedza.

“Inspector Petros Mutedza was murdered on 29 May 2011, after which the police embarked on an indiscriminate clampdown on the suburb’s residents most of whom are perceived members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC),” ZimRights said in a statement.

“It is now approximately 450 days with the matter pending before the courts, moving at a snail pace and accused persons in detention. No progress has occurred regarding the trial since July due to the court’s indefinite postponement of the case because of the deteriorating health of one of the accused persons.”

The human rights organisation said State witnesses who have testified have failed to provide consistent information pointing to how the unfortunate incident ensued. Even the police have given contradicting statements to the extent that the court had to visit the crime scene on 26 June 2012 for an “inspection in loco”.

“Zimbabwe Human Rights Association therefore demands finalisation of the matter to ensure restoration of liberties to those who are innocent. There is no justification for the incessant deprivation of their right to freedom.

“It is distressing and inhuman to keep a person for almost two years without defining his/her fate. This is a clear indication of lack of objectivity in the way Zimbabwean law, security and judiciary systems are run. Responsible authorities must define the fate for the 29 accused persons without further delay,” it said.