Hopewell Chin’ono Lawyer Removed From Case

Patience Nhamburo

The legal representative for Zimbabwean journalist and activist Hopewell Chin’ono, Beatrice Mtetwa has been taken off the case. This follows an application by the state which accused Mtetwa of unprofessional conduct.

Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna on Tuesday afternoon ruled in favour of the state and directed the law society of Zimbabwe to institute disciplinary proceedings against Mtetwa.

Taona Nyamakura has since taken over the case and is now representing Chin’ono.

With Mtetwa having been barred from representing Chin’ono, bail hearing proceedings have begun.

The hearing is however being held in camera after the state’s successful application to have journalists and members of the public barred.
Mtetwa was removed from the case at the behest of the state which accused her of making comments on social media which brought the image of the courts in disrepute.

“I have only been removed from this case, which means, I can still represent anyone in court if they need me to be their lawyer,“ said Mtetwa.

Chin’ono launched a fresh application for bail, after being turned down twice, once by the Magistrate’s court and once by the High court.