Police released former Zimbabwean cricketer Mark Vermeulen late Friday on bail of Z$500,000 following an appearance before a Harare magistrate to answer charges of arson in connection with a blaze at the CFX Zimbabwe Cricket Academy Tuesday.
Vermeulen pleaded not guilty to the charges and will be back in court in two weeks, said sources close to the case. His brother, Roland Vermeulen, said his family was satisfied with the outcome in magistrate's court and that Mark was in good spirits.
Roland Vermeulen said he could not comment further, though he added that securing the release of his brother had been a difficult and grueling experience.
Reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe sought more information on the case from sports commentator Michael Kariati.