LAWYERS say a security guard faces up to 12 months in jail because of remarks on President Robert Mugabe’s health and a taunt over a snack of biscuits and a fruity milk drink.

After years of acute shortages of food and confectionary, the guard allegedly told a colleague that President Mugabe had ruined the country’s economy.

He allegedly added that empty store shelves were only restocked by the former opposition MDC-T party with cookies and soft drinks that his pro-Mugabe colleague ate for lunch.

Attorney Jeremiah Bamu said Friday the guard is charged with "undermining the authority" of Mugabe and goes to court Aug. 12.

He said no witnesses overheard the remarks that include an alleged reference to Mugabe's likely death from illness.