By Shongedzai Mugwagwa

The High Court has granted MDC Chamisa faction Deputy Treasurer General, Charlton Hwende, a $3000 bail with stringent bail conditions that include avoiding public gatherings address and not using social media.

Hwende was on the run for abusing social media and inciting public violence which took place between 14-16 January 2019.

The Kuwadzana East Member of Parliament is facing treason charges after he allegedly plotted to subvert a constitutionally elected Government through inciting his party supporters to commit public violence.

Hwende is facing a jail period of not less than 20 years without the option of a fine.

The MDC and its appendages namely, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe (CCiZ), #ThisFlag, Tajamuka and some Western NGOs organised a three day national shutdown in Zimbabwe which was characterised by arson, looting, vandalism, thievery and all forms of violence. Bulawayo Metropolitan and Harare were the most affected.

Sources from the Harvest House told the Harare Post that the Kuwadzana legislator was part of the team that met in Harare’s Belvedere suburb to strategise on the modus operandi of the planned civil unrest disguised as protests against fuel price hike.

The senior MDC member who was once at logger heads with the VanGuard commander, Shakespeare Mukoyi over the Kuwadzana seat, has been posting inciting messages on his twitter handle which he later deleted. It is believed that such messages played a pivotal role in the actions of violence which took place in the country.

The Mashonaland West born politician was arrested at the Robert Mugabe International airport earlier this week on his arrival from Namibia.

The High Court also ordered that Hwende be barred from addressing public gatherings and holding press conferences pending finalisation of his case.