Supporters of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Nelson Chamisa, are vowing to demonstrate if their fellow activists remain jailed beyond Thursday.
The activists were arrested on June 16 for allegedly holding an unauthorized gathering and disorderly conduct. They have been in and out of court seeking bail, with a ruling originally scheduled for Tuesday. However, both the state and CCC lawyers missed deadlines for closing arguments, postponing the decision to June 27.
Outside the courthouse on Tuesday, former CCC spokesperson Ostallos Siziba criticized the ruling party, ZANU-PF, accusing them of manipulating the justice system and threatening street protests if the pressure continues.
“We stand in solidarity with the arrested citizens, we do not fear anything and Zanu PF knows that. They did not win the elections, they are not loved by the people, all they know is using terror.
“To Zanu PF and all the headmasters of terror, do not provoke the people because we will decide to invoke section 59of the constitution of Zimbabwe and use the streets as a point of entry to register our displeasure.
“So to Zanu PF, let this be known that we are a peaceful people but do not provoke us, do not provoke the people of Zimbabwe,” Siziba said.
CCC organizing secretary Amos Chibaya echoed Siziba’s call, urging supporters to join a demonstration on Thursday.
“We must register our concern, it is allowed. Demonstrations are allowed by the law, do not be afraid, so on Thursday let us come in our numbers to get our citizens,” Chibaya said.
The activists will spend more nights behind bars after their bail ruling was postponed to this Thursday.
The delay was after the State missed its deadline to submit closing arguments, causing the defense to miss its deadline as well.
The 79 activists together with their interim party leader Jameson Timba were arrested on June 16, charged with participating in an unlawful gathering and disorderly conduct.
Presiding magistrate Ruth Moyo stated that she required time to review the submissions before issuing her bail ruling, postponing the hearing to this Thursday after both parties failed to meet the deadline.
