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A 17-year old minor who was arrested together with the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmaker, Amos Chibaya and 23 other activists was released on free bail and was placed under the supervision of her guardian.
The 25 activists were arrested on Saturday after they had gathered at CCC Budiriro lawmaker, Costa Machingauta’s place of residence for a private meeting.
They appeared before Harare magistrate, Yeukai Dzuda facing allegations of gathering with an intent to promote public violence.
Addressing the media after the court session their lawyer, Advocate Wilbert Mandinde said, “The charges are a little bit absurd for us but we thought we would speed up the accused persons’ release by proceeding to deal with the issues of bail.
“So we have now commenced with the bail application and the State has put on stand the Investigating Officer who is currently giving evidence on why he is opposing bail.
According to prosecutors, his alleged accomplices are residents of Budiriro in Harare.
“It is State case that, “On 14 January 2023, accused persons responded to an invitation for CCC political party members’ Presidential Assembly meeting at one house in Budiriro 5B.
“The invitation was allegedly authored and circulated on various social media platforms by one Lancelot Tungwarara.
“On the same date Saturday the accused persons who were dressed in CCC party regalia gathered at Machingauta’s house.
“While at the gathering, the accused persons chanted [CCC] political party slogan “Ngaapinde hake Mukomana, 2023 Chamisa chete chete”meaning “let the boy get in, 2023 Chamisa only.”
“ZRP Budiriro received a tip off that the accused were gathered and went to investigate. Upon arrival at the scene of crime, the police observed that the accused’s conduct was disturbing the peace of a section of members of the public.
“The police ordered the accused persons to disperse but they resisted leading to their arrest. The accused had no lawful excuse to act in the manner they did,” said the state.
Pardon Dziva prosecuted.
The matter was postponed to tomorrow at 11:15.
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