 A Harare Magistrate Court hearing descended into chaos on Thursday, June 27th, 2024, after Magistrate Ruth Moyo denied bail to 78 individuals, including Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim leader Jameson Timba. The group was arrested on June 16th on charges of participating in an unlawful gathering and disorderly conduct.
Security Tightened as Tensions Rise
The court hearing unfolded amidst a heightened security presence. Police officers, with anti-riot units on standby, patrolled the court’s entrance and interior. This security posture stemmed from concerns about potential demonstrations by CCC supporters unhappy with the continued detention of their colleagues.
Magistrate Moyo’s decision to deny bail hinged on two primary concerns: flight risk and potential witness tampering. The prosecution argued that the accused posed a flight risk, citing the alleged violent nature of their actions during the gathering. Moyo further expressed concern that the accused might interfere with the ongoing investigation.
“The court found that they might interfere with the state and investigations, alleging that they had already exhibited themselves violently by attacking the police,” explained Jeremiah Bamu, lawyer representing the activists. “The court also argued that there’s a possibility they will be convicted, and if convicted, they might face a custodial sentence,” Bamu added.
Defense Denounces Decision, Lawyer Faces Arrest
The defense team vehemently denounced the magistrate’s decision. Lawyer Agency Gumbo, representing the accused, emphasized the presumption of innocence enshrined in the law.
“The law is crystal clear: every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Gumbo asserted. “We firmly believe the state lacks sufficient evidence…” His remarks were abruptly cut short by officers who attempted to arrest him for addressing the media outside the courtroom. Security personnel intervened and whisked Gumbo away from the scene.
The magistrate’s decision sparked outrage among CCC supporters who had gathered outside the courthouse in solidarity with the accused. The crowd erupted in protest, chanting slogans against the continued detention of Timba and his companions. Police officers were forced to disperse the crowd to restore order.
The denial of bail has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the case. Timba and his co-accused are scheduled to return to court on July 10th, 2024, for a routine remand hearing. It remains to be seen whether the defense team will file a fresh bail application or pursue a different legal strategy.
Political Tensions Simmer in Zimbabwe
This incident underscores the simmering political tensions in Zimbabwe. The CCC, led by Timba, is a major opposition party challenging the ruling party’s dominance. The arrest and detention of its leader and activists have drawn criticism from human rights groups who have called for their immediate release.
The international community is also closely monitoring the situation. The United Nations has urged Zimbabwean authorities to uphold democratic principles and ensure due process for all detainees.
Source: New Zimbabwe
