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'King Munhumutapa' bailed out
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Self-proclaimed King Munhumutapa, Timothy Chiminya, has been granted bail by the High Court after spending over a month in remand prison. The decision came after Chiminya's appeal was upheld by High Court judge Justice Faith Mushure on January 31, 2025.
Chiminya, who had been incarcerated since December 16, 2024, was initially denied bail by Harare magistrate Isheunesu Matova on January 8, 2025. Matova had ruled that Chiminya posed a security threat, citing concerns that his actions in dethroning traditional leaders appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa could incite violence between his supporters and those of the removed chiefs.
This led to Chiminya's legal team, led by lawyer Gift Mtisi from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), filing an appeal at the High Court on January 7, 2025, challenging the decision to deny him bail.
Justice Mushure, in her ruling, set aside the previous decision and granted Chiminya US$200 bail (or its Zimbabwean dollar equivalent), setting specific conditions for his release.
Chiminya is required to remain within a 25km radius of Harare Central Police Station until his case is concluded. He must report twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, at the station. Additionally, Chiminya is required to surrender his passport to the court's clerk, refrain from interfering with state witnesses or investigations, and continue residing at his given address.
His next court appearance is scheduled for March 5, 2025.
Chiminya's case has drawn attention due to his self-styled leadership role and the political implications of his actions in challenging traditional authority structures.
Chiminya, who had been incarcerated since December 16, 2024, was initially denied bail by Harare magistrate Isheunesu Matova on January 8, 2025. Matova had ruled that Chiminya posed a security threat, citing concerns that his actions in dethroning traditional leaders appointed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa could incite violence between his supporters and those of the removed chiefs.
This led to Chiminya's legal team, led by lawyer Gift Mtisi from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), filing an appeal at the High Court on January 7, 2025, challenging the decision to deny him bail.
Chiminya is required to remain within a 25km radius of Harare Central Police Station until his case is concluded. He must report twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, at the station. Additionally, Chiminya is required to surrender his passport to the court's clerk, refrain from interfering with state witnesses or investigations, and continue residing at his given address.
His next court appearance is scheduled for March 5, 2025.
Chiminya's case has drawn attention due to his self-styled leadership role and the political implications of his actions in challenging traditional authority structures.
Source - newsday
