MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU — Fourteen opposition activists, including former Chiwundura legislator Livingstone Chimina, were this morning granted bail by Gweru provincial magistrate Arnold Maburo.
The group was arrested for holding an unsanctioned meeting in Mkoba.
In his ruling, Magistrate Maburo said the State had failed to provide compelling reasons to justify the continued detention of the accused.
He also noted that the submissions by the defence, led by Reginald Chidawanyika, were “robust and compelling.”
Each activist was ordered to deposit $50 with the clerk of court, avoid interfering with State witnesses, and remain at their registered addresses.
The bail decision comes a day after investigating officer Sergeant Thulani Ndlovu failed to submit an affidavit outlining reasons to deny bail, citing a power outage at his office.
The accused, 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 face charges under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.
According to the State, on March 28 police received reports that about 20 people had gathered at Matende Bar near Mkoba 4 for what authorities described as an unsanctioned meeting.
Members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police reaction group reportedly found the group discussing the Constitutional Amendment Bill in an open space near the bar.
Some participants were allegedly wearing matching white caps inscribed with “God is in it.”
Police said the group dispersed when officers arrived, with some entering the bar while others fled.
Fourteen suspects were arrested, while several others escaped.
