Vermeulen freed pending medical reports

The trial of Mark Vermeulen, who has been accused of starting fires at the Zimbabwe Cricket headquarters and the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy, has been further adjourned to March 9. The delay follows an agreement between the defence and the state that he undergo additional medical examinations by two government experts.

Vermeulen's defence lawyer, Eric Matinenga, presented the court with two medical reports from a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist. Both diagnosed Vermeulen with "a non-pathological condition and consistent intermediate explosive disorder which can influence his conduct." The court asked for further medical examinations to be undertaken under the country's Mental Health Bill.

The magistrate agreed to relax the conditions of bail, so allowing Vermeulen to resume playing cricket for Old Harrovians, his club side, when the Harare Vigne Cup League resumes on Sunday. He is, however, barred from playing matches at Harare Sports Club and the Zimbabwe Cricket Academy, which are both operated by Zimbabwe Cricket.