News / National
Magistrate grants bail to 14 opposition activists
3 hrs ago |
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Fourteen opposition activists, including former Chiwundura legislator Livingstone Chimina, were on Friday morning granted bail by Gweru provincial magistrate Arnold Maburo following their arrest for allegedly holding an unsanctioned meeting in Mkoba.
The group had been detained after police accused them of convening a gathering without official approval, in contravention of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.
In delivering his ruling, Maburo said the State had failed to present compelling reasons to justify keeping the accused in custody. He further noted that submissions by the defence team, led by Reginald Chidawanyika, were "robust and compelling."
Each of the accused was granted bail on condition they deposit US$50 with the clerk of court, refrain from interfering with State witnesses, and continue residing at their registered addresses.
The decision follows a setback for the prosecution a day earlier, after investigating officer Thulani Ndlovu failed to file an affidavit outlining reasons for opposing bail, citing a power outage at his office.
Those granted bail include Chimina, Alois Ziumbwa, Tendai Munhamo, Auther Kazalo, Judith Sibanda, Malvin Chikwekete, Calvin Maganga, Clive Nyathi, Gilson Chibaya, Ottilia Mnkandla, Prince Muzhanda, Nicola Chatambudza, Tarisai Machando and Wellington Chimoto.
According to the State, the arrests stem from an incident on March 28, when police reportedly received information that about 20 individuals had gathered at Matende Bar near Mkoba 4. Authorities allege the group was holding an unsanctioned meeting, during which they discussed the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police reaction group reportedly found the group meeting in an open space near the bar. Some participants were allegedly wearing matching white caps bearing the inscription "God is in it."
Police said the group dispersed upon the arrival of officers, with some individuals entering the bar while others fled the scene. Fourteen suspects were arrested, while several others reportedly escaped.
The group had been detained after police accused them of convening a gathering without official approval, in contravention of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.
In delivering his ruling, Maburo said the State had failed to present compelling reasons to justify keeping the accused in custody. He further noted that submissions by the defence team, led by Reginald Chidawanyika, were "robust and compelling."
Each of the accused was granted bail on condition they deposit US$50 with the clerk of court, refrain from interfering with State witnesses, and continue residing at their registered addresses.
The decision follows a setback for the prosecution a day earlier, after investigating officer Thulani Ndlovu failed to file an affidavit outlining reasons for opposing bail, citing a power outage at his office.
Those granted bail include Chimina, Alois Ziumbwa, Tendai Munhamo, Auther Kazalo, Judith Sibanda, Malvin Chikwekete, Calvin Maganga, Clive Nyathi, Gilson Chibaya, Ottilia Mnkandla, Prince Muzhanda, Nicola Chatambudza, Tarisai Machando and Wellington Chimoto.
According to the State, the arrests stem from an incident on March 28, when police reportedly received information that about 20 individuals had gathered at Matende Bar near Mkoba 4. Authorities allege the group was holding an unsanctioned meeting, during which they discussed the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police reaction group reportedly found the group meeting in an open space near the bar. Some participants were allegedly wearing matching white caps bearing the inscription "God is in it."
Police said the group dispersed upon the arrival of officers, with some individuals entering the bar while others fled the scene. Fourteen suspects were arrested, while several others reportedly escaped.
Source - Midweek Watch
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