263chat|The state has finally withdrew subversion charges against two MDC Kwekwe legislators Settlement Chikwinya  (Mbizo) and Lloyd Mukapiko (Redcliff) who were arrested during the January 14 anti-government protests that rocked the country.

The two had their charges dropped after the state failed to provide evidence of their involvement in the violent scenes that were witnessed in many urban centres.

State witnesses claimed the two MPs were spotted in the Kwekwe CBD 14 January this year addressing a predominantly MDC gathering which they were inciting to engage in public violence.

In August this year, Kwekwe magistrate, Story Rushambwa cleared the two of charges of inciting public violence and participating in public violence at the close of the State case for lack of evidence.

Despite being freed of the two charges, Chikwinya and Mukapiko still had to answer to subversion.

During trial, the two MPs denied subversion allegations saying the charges were politically motivated since they were at different places when the protests occurred.

Chikwinya had told court he was at a local pub when the commotion started and further indicated that the State witnesses had been his political adversaries since 2000.

Mukapiko said he was at the Vehicle Inspection Department during the alleged time of the offence.

The January 14 protests were triggered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s midnight announcement of 150 percent fuel price hike.