MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU—A Gweru magistrate on Tuesday postponed bail proceedings for former Chiwundura legislator Livingstone Chimina and 13 opposition activists after the investigating officer failed to submit an affidavit outlining the State’s reasons for opposing bail, citing a power outage at his office.
Investigating officer Sergeant Thulani Ndlovu told the court that the blackout had left his office without electricity, preventing him from accessing the typed affidavit.
However, defence lawyer Reginald Chidawanyika challenged the explanation, questioning why the officer had not submitted a handwritten affidavit instead.
Ndlovu told the court he had not considered preparing a handwritten version.
The heated arguments prompted provincial magistrate Arnold Maburo to order the officer to return to court at 8am on Wednesday with the affidavit, so that the bail proceedings can continue.
Chimina, Alois Ziumbwa, Tendai Munhamo, Auther Kazalo, Judith Sibanda, Malvin Chikwekete, Calvin Maganga, Clive Nyathi, Gilson Chibaya, Ottilia Mnkandla, Prince Muzhanda, Nicola Chatambudza, Tarisai Machando and Wellington Chimoto were charged for contravening the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.
According to the State, police received information on March 28 that about 20 people had gathered at Matende Bar near Mkoba 4 suburb in Gweru for what authorities described as an unsanctioned meeting.
Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police reaction group reportedly found the group holding a meeting in an open space near the bar, where prosecutors allege they were discussing the Constitutional Amendment Bill.
The court heard that some participants were wearing matching white caps inscribed with the words “God is in it”.
Police said the group dispersed when officers approached, with some entering the bar while others fled the scene.
Fourteen suspects were arrested while several others escaped.
