The Investigating Officer in the case where opposition activist Jacob Ngarivhume is accused of disorderly conduct urged the court on Friday to deny him bail, arguing that he has a tendency to incite violence.
Victor Mukohwa, giving evidence in support of the State’s opposition to Ngarivhume’s bail, testified that the first accused has a pattern of inciting violence. “If released on bail, he will likely team up with those in solidarity with him to commit public violence,” Mukohwa stated.
Mukohwa also mentioned that 30 police officers are lined up to testify against Ngarivhume. “I need to record 30 witness statements, which will be completed after the 44th SADC summit when most police officers will be available,” he said.
Ngarivhume has been in detention since his arrest last week on charges of disorderly conduct. The Transform Zimbabwe leader is jointly charged with Kelvin Gonde, and both appeared before Magistrate Farai Gwatima. The two will spend their second weekend in jail after their bail hearing was postponed to August 14 for continuation.
Ngarivhume and his alleged accomplice face two counts: disorderly conduct and participating in an unlawful gathering. Mukohwa expressed concern that Ngarivhume, who has a significant following, might influence others to disrupt the upcoming SADC Summit.
The State alleges that the two were among 78 opposition activists already on remand following their arrest at Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim leader Jameson Timba’s house in Avondale. They were reportedly planning to stage unlawful demonstrations in Harare.
According to State papers, police received a tip-off that the accused were gathered illegally. Upon the police’s arrival, the group allegedly began throwing stones at a police vehicle, injuring two officers. The rioting only ceased after the police deployed teargas to control the situation.
