Another Nyatsime resident has been arrested in connection with the 14 June violence which rocked the area during the funeral wake of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s slain activist, Moreblessing Ali.
The CCC confirmed the arrest of Felix whom it had earlier reported as kidnapped by ZANU PF members. Said the party in an update:
ALERT: Another citizen, Felix Biri, has been caught in the Nyatsime dragnet. He was forcibly taken from his home on Thursday by unknown assailants, beaten & tortured. He was later dumped at @PoliceZimbabwe CID Law & Order. He’s now at Rotten Row awaiting his remand hearing.
Biri is charged with engaging in Public Violence as defined in section 36 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform,) Act, Chapter 9:23 in which Felix Biri is the accused person.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) say whilst in the company of several other people, Biri proceeded to the Nyatsime area, Beatrice and Chitungwiza where they engaged in acts of public violence.
They are said to have burnt down the house of ZANU PF Chairperson for Nyatsime George Murambatsvina, destroyed several shops and motor vehicles at Chibhanguza Complex, Nyatsime, Beatrice and also assaulted members of the Nyatsime community thereby causing massive destruction to property and inflicted serious injuries on them.
The other accused who are already on remand are:
Precious Jeche,
Misheck Guzha,
Odias Makoma,
Chauya Shopa,
Zex Makoni,
Roan Tsoka,
Zephania Chinembiri,
Shepherd Bulakasi,
Tatenda Pindahama,
Enock Tsoka,
Emmanuel Muradzikwa,
Robert Madzokere,
Clever Sibanda and
Ephrage Gwavava,
Other accomplices are still at large.
The investigating officer says Biri must be denied bail citing the following reasons:
i). Biri is facing an offence that when convicted, calls for a lengthy custodial sentence, therefore, he is likely to abscond trial since the state has an overwhelming evidence against him.
ii). Biri and witnesses stay in the same area and if granted bail he is likely to interfere with them.
iii). He is likely to commit similar offences because he vowed to revenge for the now deceased Moreblessing Ali who was murdered in the Nyatsime area.
iv). Biri’s other accomplices are still at large and his release will further dampen any prospects of arresting them.