Citizen protestors who have been arrested for staging a riot against government Statutory Instrument No 64 of 2016 which bans basic commodities have been denied bail.
20 suspects of the initial 74 who were arrested after protesting in Beitbridge last Friday and charged with public violence were yesterday denied bail.
Among those who appeared in court were two men from Bulawayo:
Nqobizitha Mazibeli (26) and Njabulo Ndlovu (30), and Thomas Mweya of Masvingo.
Also charged were Hitherton Shoko (44), Daniel Gumbochuma (26), Hendrick Phiri (26), Addington Matiya (28), Lovemore Mbedzi (27), Edzani Moyo (32), Tshiyoka Muleya (30), Justice Mangezi (32), Miriam Phiri (24), William Rupiya (24), Farai Nyamhuka (23), Nigel Kaseke (29), Raodoff Hurudza (28), Knowledge Vengesai (39), Nhlanhla Moyo (26), Delight Masuka (19), and Norest Hove all of Beitbridge town.
Beitbridge resident magistrate, Gloria Takundwa, dismissed their bail application yesterday saying if released, the gang was likely to disturb public peace considering that the current situation in the country was still tense.
She also ruled that the suspects were likely to interfere with witnesses since investigations were yet to be completed.
Takundwa said the group was a threat to public peace considering that events unfolding in the country arose from last Friday’s protest.
Reason Mutimba and Lord Mudau for the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and Phulu and Ncube Legal Practitioners are representing the group.
- Herald
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