14 MDC-T activists remanded in custody

Posted by on Thursday, March 7, 2013 in MDC-T, Zimbabwe politics | 3 comments
tonderai Bhatasara

Tonderai Bhatasara

By Nomalanga Moyo
7 March 2013

The 14 MDC-T supporters arrested Saturday on charges of hindering a police officer from executing her duties have been remanded in custody after their bail application was dismissed.

The activists, who were being detained at Chegutu police cells, have since been transferred to Kadoma remand prison, their lawyer Tonderai Bhatasara said.

Bhatasara said magistrate Togarepi Zhou ruled that it was not in the best interests of justice to grant the activists bail.

He said he will be appealing the magistrate’s decision at the High Court.

Speaking to SW Radio Africa Bhatasara said: “The reasons are not clear in the judgement. It would appear that the court agreed with the prosecution who were arguing that the addresses of the accused need to be verified.

“The state also said the 14 did not have identity cards when they were arrested.

“However, in our bail application we addressed these issues, and indicated that the police had had ample time to verify addresses between Saturday, when the 14 were arrested, and Tuesday when they appeared before the magistrate,” he added.

The 14 were arrested while on their way to Gweru for a constitution publicity campaign launch, addressed by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

They were part of a group of 57 MDC-T activists who were travelling on a Munenzva bus whose driver was arrested at a roadblock for “travelling ahead of schedule”, according to the police.

The police allege the 14 the disembarked from the bus and confronted an officer, demanding the driver’s release. They are charging them under Section 184:1(g) of the Criminal Law (Reform & Codification) Act.

The 14 are Kennethy Nyanhindi (29), Friday Matawire (19), Chigwada Tatenda (22), Masenda Benson (22), Archieford Mutsagwa (29), Waison Chapfungamoyo (29), Tendai Katsariga (28), Terrence Perk (30), Nash Ngoroyemoto (25), Elisha Mandizvidza (34), Michael Gondo (31), Simba Murigwa (42), Rodwell Madziyire (age not given) and Trouble Hasha (40).

Responding to the arrests, the MDC-T said in a statement issued Monday that it was disturbed by the selective application of the law by the police.

The statement reminded the police of acts of violence perpetrated against opposition party supporters by ZANU PF supporters, who are yet to be arrested.

  • wilbert_mukori

    How MDC can continue to give their thumbs up to the whole political process in the face of this onslaught beggars belief. Only the very naive would believe that enactment of Copac will change anything but no doubt some people do and they will go one and vote yes in the referendum!

    • Yepec

      Do you need to be reminded that Zimbabwe is still operating under the Lancaster House Constitution which makes the position of the President number one in the country, necessitating tyhe emergency of Mugabe’s dictatorship and Zanu PF’s tyranny?. Good judgement, maturity and sacrifice is called for in the case of the 14 MDC-T, Chegutu activists in Police custody.

      Either the MDC-T, boycotts the Referendum unless the 14 are released by Police, falling into the strategy of Zanu PF (MDC is not for what is good for the people of Zimbabwe), or sacrificing the 14 held for ransom by Zanu PF Police and let Zimbabweans be their own judges on the Copac Draft Constitution and the Parties negotiations after the Second All Stakesholders Conference. The question simply asked, should the MDC-T, fall prey to machinations of Zanu PF or advance the political cause of Zimbabwe? How do you answer it in the present circumstances, Wilbert?

  • Chimbwidos Warvets

    The police of Zimbabwe do not just arrest people for no reason. It is stupid, foolish and absurd that anyone can accuse the people for arresting hooligans or those taking the law in their own hands. It should be realised that campaigning to win an elections is not a licence to engage in unlawful activities and expect the law enforcement agencies to look the other way. During these crucial times, the police and other law enforcement agencies of the country shall be seen to be carrying out their given responsibilities of maintaining law and order in the country without fear or favour. This responsibility shall be carried out from now on until the election results are announced and the winners of the elections will then decide whether the laws in current force need to be changed or otherwise. No where in the so-called civilised world do people just do as they please, including violating the laws of the land. In other words, there is no limit to what people can do for as long as the laws of the land are not violated. This is straightforward and I can not elaborate more than this guys. So get cracking and put your houses in order and the police will not touch you.