Bail applications continue as police arrest a further 19 activists
By Lance Guma
10 April 2007.

The High Court on Tuesday denied bail to MDC official Piniel Denga citing police submissions that they found explosives at his house. Denga is among several opposition officials being accused of petrol bombing government targets in an alleged defiance campaign. Other bail applications for senior officials including Ian Makone, Member of Parliament for Glen View Paul Madzore and information officer Luke Tamborinyoka have been deferred to Wednesday. Raymond Bake, a coordinator with the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), will have his bail hearing on Thursday. Bake had dreadlocks torn out by his abductors and is among those whose health is a source of great concern.

Defence lawyer Alec Muchadehama expressed his frustrations to Newsreel saying the cases were clearly political and the state had no evidence to back them up. ‘Legally I have nothing to worry about,’ he said but he was losing count of just how many were in custody. As we interviewed the lawyer he received a message that another 19 activists were being held at Harare Central police station. This adds to the 15 he is already trying to get bail for in the magistrates and High Court. Another 5 MDC activists who were arrested in Dzivarasekwa last week, over allegations they intimidated people into heeding a stay away called by the ZCTU, have all been granted bail Muchadehama said. They were remanded out of custody to April 25th on Z$200 000 bail.

In Bulawayo 5 activists were allegedly tortured in police custody. The state accused the 5 of being part of a group of MDC supporters who allegedly barricaded the main railway line and tried to set fire to a train in Bulawayo last month. They were beaten with planks, sjamboks and baton sticks under their feet and other parts of the body. They were later dumped at a farm in Figtree outside Bulawayo. Students from all the major tertiary institutions have also alleged serious harassment and physical attacks by state sponsored militia squads. Most of the senior national student leaders are in hiding fearing for their lives.
A list of some of those still in custody and awaiting bail hearings in Harare: Paul Madzore, Luke Tamborinyoka, Barnabus Ndira, Enock Mukudu, Friday Muleya, Nyasha Chikombe, Bornwell Chivizhe, Zebediah Juaba.