Arrested NCA activists released on bail in Mutare

By Violet Gonda
17 July 06

The remaining members of the National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) from Mutare who were arrested during last week’s demonstrations for a new and democratic constitution were released on bail on Monday. Their lawyer Trust Maanda said 10 activists were released on ZW$500 000 bail each and are expected to appear in court on July 31 st.

Maanda said: “The charge is a new law. The police cannot even pronounce it. The Criminal (Codification) and Reform Act, which has stiffened penalties.” The lawyer said the police in Mutare were in disarray trying to find a copy of this law on Monday because it only came into effect on the 1 st of July. He believes that they fished around for this particular new law because it is stiffer in terms of penalties than other existing laws.

The allegations are that the NCA members participated in a gathering in which there was a likelihood of breach of peace or security. A person can be sentenced to life in prison if found guilty by a court of law.

It is reported that the activists in the eastern border town are also being accused of assaulting a police officer during last week’s demonstrations.

On Saturday, a Harare magistrate released on free bail 140 NCA activists who were also arrested last Wednesday during demonstrations that took place in 5 major cities.

NCA spokesperson Madock Chivasa reported that: “Almost half of the people who were in police custody (Harare) need medical treatment… they were assaulted by police for refusing to pay fines.”

The group says to demonstrate for a constitution that can help bring political, social and economic sanity to the crisis-ridden country is a noble national cause.