The former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Members of Parliament Amos Chibaya and Costa Machingauta were each fined US$500 by an Harare judge on Wednesday April 9 after they were found guilty of being part of an illegal gathering in 2023.
Chibaya and Machingauta were indicted along with three other political members: Monica Mukwanda, Aletta Viremai as well as Lancelot Tungwarara. Five of them were detained in custody and released while waiting for their sentence.
The magistrate directed that this fine should be paid in full immediately and warned that if the fine is not paid, it will result in a six month prison sentence.
The inmates were also sentenced to twelve months in prison, but this sentence was completely suspended if they did not repeat the same offense within the next five years.
Another 20 suspects were released, the judge concluding that they were taken in an “dragnet” arrest.
Some critics have suggested there may be evidence that Zimbabwean authorities are targeting political opponents with suspect accusations. Many have been subjected to long detentions in pre-trials and politically driven convictions.
There have been accusations of being part of illegal gatherings or encouraging violence. But critics say the accusations are usually unfounded and are aimed at suppressing dissent.
