Mapostori still in jail

Twenty-four members of the Johane Masowe eChishanu sect who were on Thursday granted bail by the High Court had, as of Friday, raised only $200 out of the required $2 400.

High Court judge Justice Esther Muremba ordered the accused to pay $100 each as part of their bail conditions, despite the state's submissions that they fork out $10 each
as they had no other sources of income.

The vapostori lawyer, Obey Shava of Mbidzo, Muchadehama and Makoni law firm, told The Zimbabwe Mail yesterday he was not sure whether their clients would raise the required amount.

"Things are not looking well, for as we speak, the 24
accused have managed to raise only $200 through the efforts of well-wishers.

"We are not quite certain as to whether they will be able to raise the remaining $2 200 for them to be released from remand,"said Shava.

The 24 accused are: Emmanuel Sigauke (37), Laston Marandure (23), Jonah Marahwa (36),Taurai Supiya (36), Shadreck Mashonganyika (25), Robert Parardzai (35), Tafa Chakwara (36), Kudzanai Tichaona Kusekwa (31), Cabson Chandaona (43), Alton Makando (31), Ashton Chinhoyi (31), Abisha Mutandwa (30).

They also include Brian Machingura (18), Nathan Muparadzi (39), Tavengwa Gwenzi (46), Tichafa Madyegure (41), Munaro Singadi (42), Ziwanai Nyatikonde (30), Johanes Makumbe (39), Paul Mupikata (32), Simango Mharadza (45), Tichava Patrick Munemo (37), Cephas Muwona (22) and Regis Bute (age not given).

According to the state, on May 30, skirmishes rocked Budiriro 2 Park where the sect was gathered after Bishop Johannes Ndanga, the president of Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ)  whose delegation included police and journalists, addressed the congregants on human rights abuses and a plethora of other issues.

Part of the congregants challenged Ndanga to read his speech in Shona claiming they were not conversant with English.

Ndanga then ordered police to arrest one of the congregants who kept interjecting as he read the speech.

Other congregants then became violent and attacked the delegation, police and journalists.