Former opposition senator Jameson Timba and 77 activists currently detained in jail will now have to wait longer to learn their fate after the court postponed its ruling on Thursday.
The judgment on their application for discharge, after the State closed its case, was expected on Thursday. However, the State delayed proceedings by failing to file its closing submissions on time.
Appearing for the State, Sheilla Mupindu explained that her laptop had broken down, causing her to miss the deadline.
The presiding magistrate, Collet Ncube, stated that he now needs time to review the submissions before delivering his ruling, much to the disappointment of the group.
Webster Jiti, representing the activists, blamed the State for negligence, adding that this was prejudicing his clients.
“It was deliberate. It was callous and malicious.
“It was disrespectful because there was a court order. It’s not acceptable; even under primitive barbarism, it’s not acceptable,” he said.
The opposition activists, known as the Avondale 78, have applied to be released, arguing that the State has not managed to prove its case.
They were arrested in June on allegations of unlawful gathering. They are also accused of disorderly conduct, with the State alleging that they stoned police officers who arrested them.
