Zimbabwean Pastor who prophesied Mugabe’s death denied bail

A Zimbabwean Pastor who was arrested after prophesying that 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe will die on October 17 was on Thursday denied bail by a Harare court, his lawyer said. Pastor Patrick Mugadza from the Remnant Pentecostal Church, based in the northern town of Kariba, could again commit a similar offence, Judge Vongai Muchuchutu argued. […]

A Zimbabwean Pastor who was arrested after prophesying that 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe will die on October 17 was on Thursday denied bail by a Harare court, his lawyer said.

Pastor Patrick Mugadza from the Remnant Pentecostal Church, based in the northern town of Kariba, could again commit a similar offence, Judge Vongai Muchuchutu argued.

Mugadza was arrested Monday on charges of criminal nuisance. He had prophesied in December that Mugabe the southern African country’s leader of 37 years would die on October 17 and urged him to pray hard if he wanted to avoid that fate.

Zimbabwe has seen growing protests against the veteran president, whom critics accuse of ruining the economy and of gagging dissent.

Mugabe nevertheless intends to seek re-election in 2018, when he will be 94 years old.

Mugadza’s lawyer Gift Mtisi said he would appeal the decision not to free him on bail.

No date has yet been set for the trial of Mugadza, who could face up to 12 months in jail. (dpa/NAN)