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Mutoko ZANU PF youth leader in fresh bail bid over 'insult' charges
2 hrs ago |
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Human rights lawyers have intensified efforts to secure the release of a ZANU PF youth leader from Mutoko who has spent nearly a month in custody after being arrested for allegedly insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa and denouncing plans linked to extending his tenure beyond 2028.
Tawanda Zange (37), who serves as Political Commissariat for the Ujama District Youth Wing in Mutoko, was arrested on 24 March 2026 following a verbal altercation with another ruling party official.
According to prosecutors, Zange was charged under section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for disorderly conduct in a public place, as well as criminal nuisance under section 46 of the same law.
The State alleges that during the confrontation with fellow party member Tinos Moyosvi, Zange shouted and uttered abusive and insulting words directed at both the President and ZANU PF, conduct said to have disturbed members of the public.
Zange was subsequently detained at Mutoko Police Station before appearing at the Mutoko Magistrates' Court, where he was denied bail.
His legal representative, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, has since filed a renewed bail application citing changed circumstances.
In submissions made on Monday, Chinopfukutwa argued that the initial basis for denying bail — namely that Zange faced a serious charge of undermining the authority of or insulting the President — no longer applies after the State reportedly altered the charges to the lesser offence of disorderly conduct.
The defence also told the court that earlier concerns over potential interference with witnesses, who are said to be Zange's neighbours, had been addressed after the accused proposed an alternative residential address.
Magistrate Caroline Matanga is expected to deliver a ruling on the bail application on Wednesday.
The case has drawn attention from legal observers and civil society groups, who say it raises broader questions about the application of public order laws and freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.
Tawanda Zange (37), who serves as Political Commissariat for the Ujama District Youth Wing in Mutoko, was arrested on 24 March 2026 following a verbal altercation with another ruling party official.
According to prosecutors, Zange was charged under section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for disorderly conduct in a public place, as well as criminal nuisance under section 46 of the same law.
The State alleges that during the confrontation with fellow party member Tinos Moyosvi, Zange shouted and uttered abusive and insulting words directed at both the President and ZANU PF, conduct said to have disturbed members of the public.
Zange was subsequently detained at Mutoko Police Station before appearing at the Mutoko Magistrates' Court, where he was denied bail.
In submissions made on Monday, Chinopfukutwa argued that the initial basis for denying bail — namely that Zange faced a serious charge of undermining the authority of or insulting the President — no longer applies after the State reportedly altered the charges to the lesser offence of disorderly conduct.
The defence also told the court that earlier concerns over potential interference with witnesses, who are said to be Zange's neighbours, had been addressed after the accused proposed an alternative residential address.
Magistrate Caroline Matanga is expected to deliver a ruling on the bail application on Wednesday.
The case has drawn attention from legal observers and civil society groups, who say it raises broader questions about the application of public order laws and freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.
Source - Byo24News
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