Tension gripped the atmosphere at Harare Magistrates Court Thursday when Magistrate Ruth Moyo denied bail to 78 opposition members, including interim leader Jameson Timba, a former senator.
The members, part of the Citizens Coalition For Change, were arrested on June 16 for participating in an unsanctioned gathering at Timba’s residence and have been in custody since then.
Earlier this week, other party activists threatened street protests if the detention continued, prompting heavy police deployment around Rottenrow Magistrates Court.
Anti-riot officers and truckloads of police officers were deployed, while CCC activists, relatives, and friends gathered in support.
Magistrate Moyo denied bail, citing the group’s propensity to reoffend and abscond, noting alleged attacks on arresting police officers, indicating a violent nature.
“The court finds they may interfere with state investigations and has observed their violent behavior,” explained lawyer Jeremiah Bamu amid chaotic scenes outside court.
Anti-riot officers began dispersing crowds from the court, threatening lawyers and journalists who were impeded from their work.
Activists protested outside, prompting police to disperse them, resulting in the arrest of Ronald Hondongwa’s wife, who demanded his release due to his disability.
Hondongwa, a teacher’s union leader, will have Timba and others back in court on July 10.
