Opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim leader Jameson Timba and 79 activists accused of disorderly conduct and unsanctioned gathering have been remanded in custody until Wednesday.
Timba assumed leadership from former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, who resigned in January this year.
He appeared before the magistrate with his supporters, challenging their prosecution.
The group protested their remand placement, arguing that they were overdetained by police before being brought before a magistrate, violating their constitutional rights.
They demanded immediate, unconditional release, claiming that any detention beyond 14:00 hours was illegal.
“The law states that any detention exceeding the 48-hour limit is unconstitutional, and the court must order their immediate release per the Constitution,” submitted their lead counsel, Jeremiah Bamu.
“Their rights have been violated, and according to the Constitution, the only remedy is to release them immediately,” he added.
Representing the National Prosecuting Authority, Thomas Chanakira opposed the application.
“The accused were here by 11 am, and the court process started when they arrived,” he said.
Chanakira argued that the court should dismiss the application, stating the accused were not overdetained.
Bamu countered, asserting that the law mandates the accused be brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours, not merely arrive at court.
The magistrate announced that she will deliver her ruling on the application at 11:15 am on Wednesday.
Timba and his supporters were transported to court under heavy police escort.
Some suspects had visible injuries, and some appeared swollen.
The activists alleged they were brutalized by arresting officers, who also humiliated women by making them strip and crawl in the presence of men.
One female suspect had a broken leg and was assisted into the dock by colleagues, crying uncontrollably.
The court ordered the State to ensure all injured suspects receive medical attention.
Representing the activists, alongside Bamu, were Kelvin Kabaya, Webster Jiti, and Agency Gumbo.
