A Harare magistrate on Monday, November 27, postponed the sentencing of Jameson Timba, leader of a faction of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), along with 34 of his supporters. The group had been convicted for participating in an unlawful gathering, which occurred on June 16 during the commemoration of the International Day of the African Child.
Initially, they faced charges of disorderly conduct, but after the State concluded its case, the group was acquitted of that charge. Magistrate Collet Ncube had earlier acquitted 28 individuals involved in the gathering due to insufficient evidence.
While Timba and the others were set for sentencing on Monday, CCC announced that the court hearing has now been moved to Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 11:15 AM. The party voiced concern over what it sees as a deliberate attempt to prolong the persecution of those advocating for a better Zimbabwe.
In the verdict, Magistrate Ncube acknowledged the gathering but emphasized that its size posed a public disturbance risk, justifying the conviction. The prosecution presented evidence that the gathering at Timba’s residence was unsanctioned and aimed at organizing unlawful demonstrations in Harare. Police responded to the scene after receiving a tip-off, where they encountered a large crowd and alleged stone-throwing, prompting the use of tear gas and subsequent arrests.
The delay in sentencing will extend the group’s detention to 164 days.
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