The systemic failures of the justice system have far-reaching
consequences, extending beyond the confines of the courtroom.
They pierce the very fabric of humanity, leaving victims like
Gwenzi, Chere, Kwekweza, Moyo, Timba, Ngarivhume, Nyamakanga
among others to suffer in silence.
The delay in prosecution not only violates their right to a fair and speedy
trial but also perpetuates a cycle of pain, fear, and uncertainty. Despite
the Constitution guaranteeing an independent judiciary, executive
influence and interference remain a concern. The ruling party's
spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa, claimed that the mass arrests
were a "preventative measure" to deal with "deviates" and that
incarceration was the "right way" to stop them from creating a "sideshow" during the
SADC Summit. Following these remarks, several accused persons were granted bail,
raising concerns about the legality of arrests, detentions, and the justice system's
violation of the right to bail.
ZPP notes that as the country bears witness to the victims’ ordeals, there is an urgent
need for reform, to restore the justice system's integrity and safeguard the rights of all
individuals. ZPP also joins all voices of reason in demanding the immediate end to
repression of all human rights activists and innocent citizens and to release all unjustly
arrested persons.
Section 50 Rights of arrested and detained persons, (1) Any person who is arrested— (d) must be released
unconditionally or on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons
justifying their continued detention;
Pretrial punishment: Guilty until proven innocent?
Timba
and
CCC
activists
arrested in June. Detained for
more
than
3
months
in
detention.
Bail
denied
repeatedly.
Sept
4:
All
acquitted on the count of
disorderly conduct in a public
place.
September 4: 12 acquitted and
discharged, 65 to proceed to
trial
on
the
count
of
participating
in
a
public
gathering with intent to promote
public violence including a 16
year old female due to write her
O’Level examinations.
Transform Zimbabwe Party
leader, Jacob Ngarivhume
arrested
in
Mutare,
transferred to Harare, coaccused with Bishop Kevin
Gonde. They have spent
over 40 days in detention,
held in Chikurubi Maximum
Prison.
Charged
with
Disoderly conduct in a
public
place
and
participating
in
a
gathering with intent to
promote public violence.
Avondale 78
ZANU Spokesperson
mocks arrested HRDs
CCC
Candidate
(2023), detained for
31 days before being
granted bail on Sept
3
Charged with
participating in antigovernment protests
in 2019.
Ngarivhume &
Bishop Gonde
Tineyi Munetsi
Last Chinodya
A
Harare
resident
charged with disorderly
conduct
for
alleged
participation in a protest
in June. Held in detention
for 32 days before
release on bail on Sept 6.
Held incommunicado for
8 hours, charged with
Disorderly conduct for
alleged participation in
a protest in June. Held in
detention for 34 days at
Chikurubi
Maximum
Prison before Gwenzi,
Chere & Namatai were
granted bail on Sept 4.
Kariba residents,
including former
M.P John
Houghton, and
Ward 6 councilor
Masendu were
charged
participating in a
gathering with
intent to promote
public violence
detained for 33
days before
release on bail
on Sept 2
Gwenzi, Chere,
Namatai & Vusi
Prince Dubeko
Sibanda
Former Binga North
M.P,
charged
with
Inciting public violence
for posting messages
on
social
media.
Detained for 20 days
before release on bail
by High Court on Sept
6.
Kariba 14
Mutare 11
11 residents including
Ward 19 Councilor
Mukombero
were
arrested
and
accused of "acts of
public
violence"
meant to disturb the
"successful hosting of
the SADC summit".
They have spent over
40 days in detention.
Nkulumane Ward 22
Councilor,
Bulawayo. Charged
with
staging an
anti-government
protest.
Detained
for 26 days before
release on bail on
August 28.
Bruce Moyo
Gokwe 12
12 CCC activists
arrested
for
allegedly
participating in an
anti-government
demonstration.
8
detained for 24
days
before
release on bail on
Sept 9.