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Five members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) were today convicted and fined USD$500 each, with an immediate payment requirement or face six months in prison.
The convicted individuals Amos Chibaya, Costa Machingauta, Monica Mukwada, Champion Lancelot Tungwarara, and Champion Alleta Virimayi were arrested in January 2023 alongside 20 others on charges of gathering with intent to incite public violence.
By Gamuchirai Mapako
Magistrate Rakafa-Matsika confirmed the conviction of the five CCC members, imposing a dual sentence, an immediate fine of USD$500 per person, payable while in police custody and failure to pay would result in a six-month prison term and a 12-month imprisonment sentence, wholly suspended for five years on condition that the convicted individuals do not commit any offence involving participation in a gathering aimed at inciting violence.
The magistrate noted that the court had considered the defendants’ roles as community leaders, family breadwinners, and their contributions to society. She emphasised that a harsher punishment would adversely affect their dependents and those they assist.
The defendants’ lawyer, Chris Mhike, argued for a three-week grace period to pay the fines, citing the current economic challenges in Zimbabwe. However, the magistrate rejected this plea, insisting on immediate payment.
In his statement, Mhike expressed concerns over the fairness of the judgement, questioning whether it was politically motivated.
“As far as we are concerned, my clients were arrested at a time when they believed they were well within the confines of the law,” he said.
Mhike added that his team would study the full judgement to determine its consistency with relevant laws. Should they find discrepancies, an appeal would be filed.
The 25 CCC members were arrested in January 2023 during a political gathering in Budiriro. The state accused them of inciting violence, a charge they denied. Today’s ruling brings a partial conclusion to a case that has spanned over two years, with the remaining 20 individuals already acquitted.
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