PICS: Supporters flock to #ThisFlag pastor’s hearing

Police delayed bringing Zimbabwean pastor Evans Mawarire to court as a large crowd gathered outside the Harare Magistrate’s Court.

Harare – Police delayed bringing Paster Evan Mawarire to the Harare Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, amid a large crowd of supporters.

Mawarire was arrested on Tuesday, after he went to make a statement to the police, and was later charged with incitement to commit public violence and spent the night in Harare Central Police Station.

Some observers among the large crowd gathered at the court on Wednesday said that the police were “surprised” when they saw so many supporters of the #This Flag campaign on social justice outside the court, which may have accounted for the delay in bringing him before court.

Mawarire launched the campaign in April and it has taken off like wildfire, attracting tens of thousands of followers and also inspiring a large stayaway a week ago.

The court adjourned for lunch as the investigating officer claimed he had lost the affidavit.

It is not known when Mawarire will be brought to court, his lawyers said, nor therefore when he could apply for bail and possibly return home.

City dwellers and commuters said the city is operating at about 75 percent in response to the call by Mawarire’s #This Flag for a stayaway on Wednesday and Thursday.

First lady Grace Mugabe was seen leaving Harare on Tuesday, along with her daughter Bona and her new baby, en route to Singapore, where the baby, will have a “check up”, according to State House insiders.

The Mugabe family does not consult local or even South African doctors and spends a fortune in taxpayers’ money several times each year for check ups and minor medical procedures in Singapore.

They also have a home in Dubai, where eldest son Robert lives, studies and plays basketball.

African News Agency