By Chigwede Waruma
Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo denied bail by opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Jameson Timba and 77 other activists on Thursday, citing flight risks and potential witness intimidation.
The activists were arrested on June 16 for allegedly participating in an unlawful gathering and disorderly conduct. They were not present for the bail hearing due to security concerns, as their colleagues threatened demonstrations if they remained incarcerated.
Hundreds of people who came to the court in support of the activists were forced to leave the premises by police officers following the ruling. Anti-riot police were stationed at the court entrance and inside the building.
Magistrate Moyo argued that releasing the activists on bail posed a risk of them re-offending and potentially fleeing before trial, given the possibility of custodial sentences if convicted.
Jeremiah Bamu, representing the activists, denounced the court’s decision, emphasizing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. He argued that the state lacked sufficient evidence. Agency Gumbo, another defense lawyer, was interrupted and nearly arrested by officers for addressing the media outside the court.
Timba and the other activists are scheduled to reappear in court on July 10 for a routine remand hearing.
