News / National
MDC-T MP, activists freed on bail
12 Nov 2015 at 07:50hrs | Views
MDC-T National Assembly member for Highfield East, Eric Murai and 15 members of the opposition party, who are accused of stoning policemen at an unsanctioned rally in Hopley, Harare were yesterday granted $200 bail each by a Mbare magistrate.
Murai (44), Memory Ncube (33), Aqueline Sanganai (68), Erenia Chiradza (54), Rutendo Bvute (29), Stella Manyanga (64), Herbert Mwadira (18), Tafadzwa Kambala (25), Sinkiwe Mandava (53), Peter Mafara (33), Shepherd Munyadzi (40), Michael Matemai (67), Farai Kushata (42), Clyde Mushamba (30), Givemore Muparahwa (38) and Memory Mudyabumhe (46) appeared before Ms Anita Tshuma facing public violence charges.
They were remanded to November 24.
As part of their bail conditions Ms Tshuma ordered the 16 not to interfere with witnesses and to reside at the addresses they gave to the court.
They were also ordered to report twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays at Harare Central Police Station.
In her ruling Ms Tshuma indicated that prosecutor Mr Tafara Chirambira had failed to provide compelling reasons in his opposition to bail.
"There were no cogent reasons given by the State to support that the accused persons will abscond if admitted to bail.
"The accused persons do not have any previous convictions and it is not likely that they will commit a similar offence while awaiting trial," she said.
The 16 are represented by Mr Tonderai Bhatasara of Mupanga, Bhatasara Attorneys and Mr Vitalis Mudzonga of Mauwa and Associates legal practitioners.
Allegations are that on November 2, Trouble Hasha made an application to the police to hold an MDC-T rally at Kazembe Rising Stars Primary School.
The court heard that the regulating authority did not approve the rally.
It is alleged that on November 8, the accused, despite having no authorisation to conduct a rally, gathered at the school in their party regalia.
It is the State's case that they intended to proceed with the meeting.
The State further alleged that the police received information that about 50 MDC-T supporters were holding an unsanctioned meeting. Police led by Inspector James Chimombe went to the venue to disperse the MDC-T supporters.
Upon arrival the supporters turned violent and threw stones at the police, the court heard.
It is alleged that the situation got worse and the police used teargas and warning shots to disperse the crowd.
The accused were later arrested by anti-riot police.
Murai (44), Memory Ncube (33), Aqueline Sanganai (68), Erenia Chiradza (54), Rutendo Bvute (29), Stella Manyanga (64), Herbert Mwadira (18), Tafadzwa Kambala (25), Sinkiwe Mandava (53), Peter Mafara (33), Shepherd Munyadzi (40), Michael Matemai (67), Farai Kushata (42), Clyde Mushamba (30), Givemore Muparahwa (38) and Memory Mudyabumhe (46) appeared before Ms Anita Tshuma facing public violence charges.
They were remanded to November 24.
As part of their bail conditions Ms Tshuma ordered the 16 not to interfere with witnesses and to reside at the addresses they gave to the court.
They were also ordered to report twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays at Harare Central Police Station.
In her ruling Ms Tshuma indicated that prosecutor Mr Tafara Chirambira had failed to provide compelling reasons in his opposition to bail.
"There were no cogent reasons given by the State to support that the accused persons will abscond if admitted to bail.
"The accused persons do not have any previous convictions and it is not likely that they will commit a similar offence while awaiting trial," she said.
Allegations are that on November 2, Trouble Hasha made an application to the police to hold an MDC-T rally at Kazembe Rising Stars Primary School.
The court heard that the regulating authority did not approve the rally.
It is alleged that on November 8, the accused, despite having no authorisation to conduct a rally, gathered at the school in their party regalia.
It is the State's case that they intended to proceed with the meeting.
The State further alleged that the police received information that about 50 MDC-T supporters were holding an unsanctioned meeting. Police led by Inspector James Chimombe went to the venue to disperse the MDC-T supporters.
Upon arrival the supporters turned violent and threw stones at the police, the court heard.
It is alleged that the situation got worse and the police used teargas and warning shots to disperse the crowd.
The accused were later arrested by anti-riot police.
Source - the herald
