Zim lawyer faces more charges

Zimbabwean prosecutors have hit prominent human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa with fresh charges.

Mtetwa, whose arrest in connection with allegations of obstructing the course of justice last month sparked international condemnation, now faces additional charges of abusing the police, according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, which labelled the state's move a "desperate bid to bolster its case".

Mtetwa was arrested during a police raid of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's offices a day after Zimbabwe's constitutional referendum.

She is alleged to have said: "Stop whatever you are doing; it's unconstitutional, illegal and undemocratic, you confused cockroaches."

She is also alleged to have told them in Shona: "You are Mugabe's dogs."

It is a crime in Zimbabwe to insult the police or the office of the president.

Her arrest came after Zimbabweans voted for a new constitution that would enshrine civil rights and pave the way for a new government.

Police had initially ignored a court order for her release, prompting allegations that supporters of President Robert Mugabe were pursuing a politically motivated prosecution, a charge they denied.

Mtetwa is out on bail.

• Two Zanu-PF provincial officials have appeared in court charged with stealing 10 cattle meant for Mugabe's birthday party.

Prosecutors allege the two - Mike Madiro and Dorothy Mabika - were entrusted with 10 cattle donated by a local farmer for Mugabe's birthday bash in Mutare city.

"They unlawfully and with the intention to steal, converted the cattle to their own use, thereby committing the crime of stock theft," said the state.

The accused denied the charges, said lawyer Tinofara Hove.