Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Mkoba lawmaker, Amos Chibaya, has been remanded in custody until this Thursday after appearing in court charged with incitement.
Chibaya is accused of inciting the public to commit violence following his alleged address to CCC supporters at the Harare Magistrates Court in June this year. This took place after their interim leader, Jameson Timba, was denied bail.
Timba had been arrested in mid-June, accused of participating in an unlawful gathering alongside 77 others, including his son.
Currently, Timba and 63 other co-accused remain in custody, awaiting the finalization of the trial.
Details of the Incitement Charge
Prosecutors allege that during the meeting, Chibaya made remarks such as:
“This regime is afraid of the people. When they see people, they tremble. They did not win the elections; we can wake up ruling them. Zimbabwe does not belong to ZANU PF. Zimbabwe is not a Mnangagwa dynasty. The oppression of the people must end.”
It is alleged that Chibaya encouraged people to come out in large numbers to pressure authorities to release their colleagues.
Following Chibaya’s comments, some attendees allegedly responded, saying in vernacular: “Tichavatora Nechisimba, eheeee” (We will take them out by force).
Legal Representation and Bail Hearing
Chibaya is represented by lawyer Chris Mhike, who raised complaints against the police, arguing that they prolonged his client’s incarceration. Mhike claimed that the police waited for Chibaya to be released on a separate case—where he had been detained for defaulting court appearances—to re-arrest him, which he argued is undemocratic.
Mhike further argued that the police abused the law, as Chibaya should have been taken to court promptly.
Prosecution’s Case
The State, represented by witness Pangai Gwati from CID Law and Order, opposed bail. Gwati argued that Chibaya may commit further offenses and could potentially interfere with State witnesses.
He also noted that Chibaya had previously failed to comply with his bail conditions under CRB 556/23, where he was ordered to report to CID Gweru. Gwati emphasized that Chibaya had defaulted on that case, making him an unsuitable candidate for bail.
Presiding Judge
The bail hearing is being presided over by Magistrate Dennis Mangosi.
