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Seven in court for plotting protest against CAB3
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Seven suspected members of the Movement for Democratic Change – T (MDC-T) have been arrested and brought before the Harare Magistrates' Court for allegedly plotting a protest against the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3).
The accused - Clifton Zumba (27), Shingirai Chitauro (45), John Simon (53), Tonderai Cephas Makuyana (28), Decent Zaina (46), Jane Makovere (47), and Austin Name (52) - appeared before Magistrate Ruth Moyo and were remanded in custody to April 29.
According to the State, the group was involved in organising an illegal demonstration in Harare's central business district targeting CAB3, a proposed law that has sparked widespread debate over provisions to extend the tenure of the President and members of Parliament, as well as restructure elements of Zimbabwe's governance system.
Court papers allege that on April 16, 2026, Zumba convened a meeting at Harvest House in Harare to strategise for a public procession opposing the bill.
Prosecutors further claim that the group produced and distributed flyers encouraging members of the public to participate in the protest, which authorities say had already been prohibited.
"On 22 April 2026 at 2000 hours, accused (1) gathered the rest of the accused persons… and gave them the fliers to further distribute across greater Harare," the State submitted.
It is alleged that in the early hours of April 23, the accused travelled to Chitungwiza in a silver Honda Fit, where they continued distributing the material across several locations.
Authorities contend that the flyers contained messages inciting members of the public to engage in acts of public violence and breaches of peace.
"The accused persons' conduct was meant to incite members of the public to engage in acts of public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry," the State alleges.
The seven are facing charges of incitement to commit public violence under Section 187, alternatively criminal nuisance under Section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Investigations are being led by Detective Constable Muchadura Dauzeni of the CID Law and Order section.
The matter has been postponed to April 29, with all accused persons remaining in custody pending further proceedings.
The accused - Clifton Zumba (27), Shingirai Chitauro (45), John Simon (53), Tonderai Cephas Makuyana (28), Decent Zaina (46), Jane Makovere (47), and Austin Name (52) - appeared before Magistrate Ruth Moyo and were remanded in custody to April 29.
According to the State, the group was involved in organising an illegal demonstration in Harare's central business district targeting CAB3, a proposed law that has sparked widespread debate over provisions to extend the tenure of the President and members of Parliament, as well as restructure elements of Zimbabwe's governance system.
Court papers allege that on April 16, 2026, Zumba convened a meeting at Harvest House in Harare to strategise for a public procession opposing the bill.
Prosecutors further claim that the group produced and distributed flyers encouraging members of the public to participate in the protest, which authorities say had already been prohibited.
"On 22 April 2026 at 2000 hours, accused (1) gathered the rest of the accused persons… and gave them the fliers to further distribute across greater Harare," the State submitted.
Authorities contend that the flyers contained messages inciting members of the public to engage in acts of public violence and breaches of peace.
"The accused persons' conduct was meant to incite members of the public to engage in acts of public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry," the State alleges.
The seven are facing charges of incitement to commit public violence under Section 187, alternatively criminal nuisance under Section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Investigations are being led by Detective Constable Muchadura Dauzeni of the CID Law and Order section.
The matter has been postponed to April 29, with all accused persons remaining in custody pending further proceedings.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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