Mr. Collet Ncube, the regional magistrate in Harare, denied bail yesterday to 66 activists from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) who were arrested in June for allegedly participating in an unlawful gathering.
This decision followed a bail application from the suspects, including CCC administrator Jameson Timba, which was based on changed circumstances. Magistrate Ncube stated that there had been no significant change in their situation that would warrant bail and expressed concerns that they might engage in public violence if released.
As a result of the ruling, the trial for the charges of unlawful gathering continued. Timba and 77 others had recently been acquitted of charges related to disorderly conduct. Additionally, the same magistrate had previously acquitted 12 other activists of disorderly conduct and unlawful gathering.
The State is represented by Mr. Lancelot Mutsokoti. The prosecution claims that on June 16 at around 2 PM, police received reports of an unauthorized gathering at Timba’s residence in Harare. It is alleged that the meeting aimed to plan and organize unlawful demonstrations in the city.
When police arrived at the location, they encountered a noisy crowd and subsequently observed a large gathering. Reinforcements were called in after some suspects began throwing stones at a police vehicle, causing minor damage. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and proceeded to make arrests.
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