Violence erupted today at Harare magistrate court after the state decided to keep Jameson Timba and 78 other accused CCC youths behind bars.
It is believed that they were remanded in custody for “security reasons.”
In a virtual hearing that took place today, a magistrate dismissed their bail application.
Those who went to court in solidarity with the detained were denied entry with heavy police mounted at the doors.
Hundreds of Zimbabweans were seen singing solidarity songs at the at the court premises.
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People gathered at the Magistrate Court in solidarity with Timba and 78 CCC youths. Photo credit- Hopewell facebook
The demonstrators continued singing until they were chased by the anti-riot police.
A lady holding a placard that had a free Timba message written on it, is believed to have been detained by police officers who were at the scene.
By the time of this publication, no charge had been pressed against her.
The 78 activists were among 79 people arrested on Sunday, June 16, at Timba’s house in Harare while commemorating the Day of the African Child.
They are facing charges of participating in a gathering with the intent to promote violence, breaches of peace, or bigotry, as well as disorderly conduct.
The court granted US$100 bail to one of the accused individuals, Ndapuwa Shaun Timba, who is the son of former CCC senator Jameson Timba.
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Police at the Magistrate Court today. Photo credit- Internet
He argued that he had come to celebrate Father’s Day with his father at the time of their arrest hence, he was released on bail.
Government critics have criticized the weaponization of state apparutus by the ruling Zanu Pf to silence opposition members.
