By Kwedu News
Masvingo, Zimbabwe – A Czech tourist, Lukas Slavik, was arrested and has been in custody for the past three weeks on charges of spreading false information with the intention of inciting the public after recording a video highlighting Zimbabwe’s acute water and electricity shortages in Masvingo.
According to The Mirror newspaper, a High Court Judge in Masvingo finally granted the tourist US$500 bail after initially citing him as a flight risk.
Justice Sunsley Zisengwe imposed several conditions on Slavik’s release, including depositing the bail amount with the Clerk of Court, residing at the Czech Republic Consulate in Harare, and reporting to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Highlands office every Friday between 6am and 6pm until the matter is resolved.
Slavik was also ordered to surrender his passport and refrain from interfering with state witnesses.
He was arrested for allegedly recording a video claiming that Masvingo was experiencing a severe water and electricity crisis, in violation of Section 31(a) 1 of the publishing false statement with intention to incite the public.
Initially, Masvingo Provincial Magistrate Franklin Mkwananzi denied Slavik bail, citing concerns that he would flee the country.
However, Czech Deputy Ambassador Michael Novak provided a surety last week, assuring the court that the embassy would accommodate Slavik and ensure his presence in court.
Slavik is represented by attorney Knowledge Mabvuure of Chihambakwe Law Chambers.
