Opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume is reportedly implicated in a gathering that led to the arrest of 78 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists in June.
Ngarivhume, aged 46, was detained in Mutare on Friday and subsequently transported to Harare for a court appearance. He faces joint charges with Kelvin Gonde, aged 45, for participating in an unlawful assembly and engaging in disorderly conduct.
Magistrate Ruth Moyo has remanded both Ngarivhume and Gonde in custody until August 7 for a bail hearing.
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Their defense team argued that the arrest contravened the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act and also challenged Ngarivhume’s remand status.
Prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu stated that on June 16, police were informed that Ngarivhume, Gonde, and the 78 CCC activists were involved in an illegal gathering at Timba’s residence. Upon arrival, the police encountered a crowd allegedly causing a disturbance and reportedly throwing stones at the officers.
The incident resulted in injuries to two police officers and damage to a ZRP Mahindra vehicle, valued at $250. The activists were later arrested after the police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Zinyandu indicated that he will present evidence showing Ngarivhume and Gonde were identified at the scene and that several witnesses will testify against them.
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