The trial of 14 opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists from Nyatsime faced yet another delay as Harare magistrate Ethel Chichera postponed the proceedings to April 29. This decision came after the State informed the court that it is still in the process of summoning witnesses.
Represented by human rights lawyer Tapiwa Muchineripi, the group signaled their impatience with the repeated delays. Muchineripi cautioned the State that if it fails to produce witnesses on the next court date, he would apply for the refusal of further remand.
The activists were arrested for their alleged involvement in public violence during the funeral wake of murdered opposition activist Moreblessing Ali in 2022.
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According to Prosecutor Kudzanai Madzimari, on June 14, 2022, the activists, along with three other accomplices who are also on remand, conspired to retaliate against Ali’s murder through violence. They purportedly used vehicles to transport individuals from various locations to Nyatsime, where they engaged in acts of public violence targeting property belonging to Zanu PF supporters.
The prosecution further alleges that they proceeded to Chibhanguza shopping center, where they set fire to a gazebo, vandalized windows at 13 shops and four beerhalls, and looted groceries and electrical gadgets.
