MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU- Eight people, including two sitting opposition councilors and a three-month-old baby, were denied bail on Monday for allegedly participating in an unsanctioned demonstration in Gweru on March 31.
The group appeared before Gweru Provincial Magistrate Beaulity Dube and were facing charges of participating in the demonstration that was called by war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza.
Geza still at large, is the former Zanu-PF central committee member and ruling party faction against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s extension of tenure of office beyond 2028.
In her ruling, Magistrate Dube said the eight were not proper candidates for bail, as the caller for demonstration (Geza) remains at large and it is uncertain whether he will call for another demonstration.
Dube added that there is a high risk of the accused persons absconding, as they would not want to go to prison again after previously spending two weeks in jail.
The accused include Gweru City Councilor Phillion Mawere (51), Vungu Rural District Councilor Parerenyatwa Nyika (44) and six others from the Mkoba North constituency- Victor Changa (43), Movern Vurayayi (27), Wellington Chirozva (35), Jamson Mugwisi (58), Sue Kombora (31) and Mitchell Nyathi.
The state alleged that the group planned and organized Mkoba residents to hold an illegal demonstration against Mnangagwa, waving placards with various messages denouncing his administration.
The eight were represented by their lawyers, Esau Mandipa and Leopold Mudisi.
They were remanded in custody to April 28.
