Human rights cases rock Zim courts

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers have exposed the escalation of number of human rights violation cases in the courts of Zimbabwe amid indications there was serious violation of the rule of law by the state security agents.

In a statement ZLHR Communications officer Kumbirai Mafunda said in a week leading up to the commemoration of International Human Rights Day, ZLHR lawyers are having a busy schedule in courts offering legal assistance to several human rights defenders.

"In Harare, the trial of pro-democracy campaigner Denford Ngadziore commenced at Harare Magistrates Court. Ngadziore, who is out of custody on bail was arrested on November 2 and charged with contravening Section 25 (5) of the Public Order and Security (POSA)," he said.

"Prosecutors claimed that Ngadziore, whom they accused of being affiliated to the #Tajamuka pressure group, allegedly organised and convened an unsanctioned gathering on October 17 at the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development's Department of Industrial Training and Trade Testing Harare Regional Office located in the capital demanding the immediate arrest of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo for allegedly misappropriating funds belonging to the Zimbabwe Development Fund (ZimDef)."

He said  Prosecutors alleged that Ngadziore, who was the convenor, addressed the gathering without notifying regulatory authority of ZRP Harare Central Police District.

"At Mbare Magistrates Court in Harare, the trial of pro-democracy campaigners Pride Mukono, Makomborero Haruzivishe and Mehluli Dube for allegedly inciting violence commenced on  December 6 at Mbare Magistrates Court and will resume on Wednesday afternoon," he said.

"At Harare Magistrates Court, the trial of Promise Mkwananzi and other human rights campaigners was off to a false start as the National Prosecuting Authority's "house" wasn't in order and prosecutors were not properly "prepared" and hence will now commence on 12 January 2017."

He said in Plumtree, the trial of three Zimbabwe Republic Police officers who are being sued for damages by Constance Tshuma, a 26 year old woman, who was shot by the law enforcement agents while aboard a commuter omnibus vehicle commenced on  December 7 at Plumtree Magistrates Court.

"ZLHR lawyers intervened to hold ZRP and its officers to account for the reckless and negligent behaviour," he said.