News / National
Pro-Chamisa youths jailed as state opposes bail
4 hrs ago |
174 Views
Former Chiwundura legislator Livingstone Chimina and 13 others are spending a night in custody after the State successfully requested time to file written submissions opposing their bail application.
The group appeared before provincial magistrate Arnold Maburo on charges of contravening Section 7(5) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11:23], relating to allegedly holding a public gathering without notifying authorities.
The State alleges that on March 28, police received information that about 20 people had gathered at Matende Bar near Mkoba 4 suburb in Gweru for an unsanctioned meeting. Officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police reaction unit reportedly attended the scene and found the group convened in an open space near the bar.
Prosecutors further allege that the gathering was intended to discuss and disseminate information relating to the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The court heard that some participants were wearing matching white caps bearing the inscription “God is in it.” Upon noticing approaching police vehicles, the group allegedly dispersed, with some entering the bar while others fled the scene.
Police reportedly pursued and arrested 14 individuals, while others escaped. Investigations later established, according to the State, that the gathering had not been notified to the Officer Commanding ZRP Gweru Rural District as required by law.
The State, represented by prosecutor Hellen Khoza, indicated that it would file written submissions opposing bail, stating that oral arguments for each accused would be time-consuming and that written arguments would allow for a more comprehensive presentation of the case.
Defence lawyer Reginald Chidawanyika opposed the delay, arguing that it was prejudicial to the accused and infringed upon their constitutional rights.
Magistrate Maburo ordered the State to file its submissions by noon, with a ruling on bail expected thereafter.
The accused include Alois Ziumbwa, Tendai Munhamo, Auther Kazalo, Judith Sibanda, Malvin Chikwekete, Calvin Maganga, Clive Nyathi, Gilson Chibaya, Chimina, Ottilia Mnkandla, Prince Muzhanda, Nicola Chatambudza, Tarisai Machando and Wellington Chimoto.
The matter has been remanded to April 13 pending the bail ruling.
The group appeared before provincial magistrate Arnold Maburo on charges of contravening Section 7(5) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11:23], relating to allegedly holding a public gathering without notifying authorities.
The State alleges that on March 28, police received information that about 20 people had gathered at Matende Bar near Mkoba 4 suburb in Gweru for an unsanctioned meeting. Officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police reaction unit reportedly attended the scene and found the group convened in an open space near the bar.
Prosecutors further allege that the gathering was intended to discuss and disseminate information relating to the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The court heard that some participants were wearing matching white caps bearing the inscription “God is in it.” Upon noticing approaching police vehicles, the group allegedly dispersed, with some entering the bar while others fled the scene.
The State, represented by prosecutor Hellen Khoza, indicated that it would file written submissions opposing bail, stating that oral arguments for each accused would be time-consuming and that written arguments would allow for a more comprehensive presentation of the case.
Defence lawyer Reginald Chidawanyika opposed the delay, arguing that it was prejudicial to the accused and infringed upon their constitutional rights.
Magistrate Maburo ordered the State to file its submissions by noon, with a ruling on bail expected thereafter.
The accused include Alois Ziumbwa, Tendai Munhamo, Auther Kazalo, Judith Sibanda, Malvin Chikwekete, Calvin Maganga, Clive Nyathi, Gilson Chibaya, Chimina, Ottilia Mnkandla, Prince Muzhanda, Nicola Chatambudza, Tarisai Machando and Wellington Chimoto.
The matter has been remanded to April 13 pending the bail ruling.
Source - Midweek Watch
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
