by Staff Reporter
MDC-Alliance’s Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri, who are accused of violating the Covid-19 lockdown regulations, have been denied bail after Harare Magistrate, Richard Mangosi noted their propensity to continue committing similar offences if released.
Mangosi yesterday said the two allegedly committed the offences while on bail and releasing them would compromise the proper administration of justice.
Mamombe and Chimbiri are accused of contravening Covid-19 regulations after addressing a press conference in front of the Harare Magistrates’ Court last month calling for the release of Makomborero Haruzivishe, now serving a 14 months prison sentence for resisting arrest and inciting public violence.
Mamombe and Chimbiri’s lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama had submitted that the charges had been overtaken by events since Covid 19 regulations have been relaxed.
Muchadehama had also cited the release on bail of Takudzwa Ngadziore, leader of the Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) whom he said committed a similar offence.
Magistrate Mangosi, however rejected the application, ruling there were no new circumstances that could change the duo’s behaviour and refused to entertain the argument about Ngadziore’s bail release saying Mamombe was a lawmaker who should be in a position to know better the laws of the country. He added that Ngadziore was just an overzealous youth leader.
“There are no changed circumstances to warrant granting of bail to the accused, so I dismiss their application. Bail is hereby denied,” ruled Mangosi,
Mamombe and Chimbiri will be back in court on April 26 for routine remand pending commencement of trial on May 5.
Meanwhile, MDC Alliance Masvingo Provincial Youth Secretary General and councillor for Ward 18 in Chiredzi Rural District, Gilbert Mutubuki was released on Z$5,000 bail after his arrest on Monday charged with participating in a gathering with the intent to promote public violence.
As part of his bail conditions Councillor Mutubuki has been ordered to report at Triangle Police Station once every week.
Councillor Mutubuki is accused of addressing people during a meeting held in Chivi in March. Nine other people have already been arrested and charged for the same offence and were granted bail recently by Masvingo High Court Judge Justice Wamambo.
Mutubuki who was reportedly on the run after nine of his accomplices were arrested, handed himself to ZRP Masvingo in the company of a Zimbabwe Human Rights, Martin Mureri.
