Bail Denied For 24 CCC Members
Twenty-four Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members who were arrested in Harare on Saturday for holding an unsanctioned meeting were denied bail when they appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on Monday, 16 January.
The CCC members including party organising secretary Amos Chibaya and Budiriro legislator Costa Machingauta were arrested at the latter’s home while holding a private meeting.
They appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda who postponed the matter to this Tuesday for the continuation of bail application.
While opposing bail, the investigating officer George Garauzive said the evidence against the CCC members was overwhelming.
Garauzive argued that they may interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
One of the accused persons, a 17-year-old, was released under the guardianship of her uncle.
The CCC members were represented by Advocate Wilbert Mandinde and Chris Mhike.
Allegations against them are that on Saturday, the accused persons held an unsanctioned meeting in Budiriro.
In the State outline, Amos Chibaya is the accused number one. It reads:
1. Complainant is the State.
2. Accused [1] is a male adult residing at 416 Mkoba 13, Gweru and is not employed. He is the National Organising Secretary for the Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC] political party.
3. Accused [2] – [25] are residents of Budiriro in Harare and are not employed.
4. On 14 January 2023, accused persons responded to an invitation for Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC] political party members’ Presidential Assembly meeting at house number 9239, Vhumba Crescent, Budiriro 5B, Harare. The house is owned by Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC] House of Assembly Member for Budiriro Constituency Costa Machingauta. The invitation is allegedly authored and circulated on various social media platforms by Lancelot Tungwarara with no further particulars known.
5. On the same date [14/01/23], accused persons who were dressed in [CCC] regalia that include caps, helmets and T-shirts gathered at house number 9239, Vhumba Crescent Budiriro 5B, Harare pursuant to the alleged invitation on social media platforms.
6. While at the gathering, the accused persons chanted [CCC] political party slogan “Ngaapinde hake Mukomana, 2023 Chamisa chete chete” meaning “let the boy get in, 2023 Chamisa only”.
7. Members of ZRP Budiriro received a tip-off that the accused were gathered and went to investigate. Upon arrival at the scene of the crime, the police observed that the accused’s conduct was disturbing the peace of a section of members of the public.
8. The police ordered the accused persons to disperse but they resisted leading to their arrest.
9. The accused had no lawful excuse to act in the manner they did.
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