Gwisai fails to raise bail money

yesterday granted US$2 000 bail each by the High Court.
However, Gwisai, Antonetar Choto, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Edison Chakuma, Hopewell Gumbo and Welcome Zimuto remained in custody last night because they could not raise the bail money before the courts closed.
Defence lawyer Mr Alec Muchadehama said he was still trying to raise the money and the Clerk of Court’s office had already closed.
“We are in town trying to raise the bail money. I am not sure if we will be able to pay the money today considering it’s now after hours,” said Mr Muchadehama.
A visit to Harare Central Remand Prison at around 6pm indicated the suspects might be spending another night behind bars.
The suspects were arrested on February 19 on allegations of convening a meeting for the purpose of mobilising Zimbabweans to unconstitutionally overthrow the Government.
Bail was granted after the suspects had spent one month in remand prison.
They were ordered to report thrice weekly at Criminal Investigation Department’s Law and Order Section and continue staying at their given addresses. They were barred from interfering with witnesses.
Three of them who are passport holders were ordered to surrender the documents to the Clerk of Court.
Justice Kudya ruled there was no evidence the suspects would skip bail or interfere with investigations and witnesses.
“From the averments of the State, I find that its case is, so far, not a strong one,” he said. Justice Kudya said the State sought to rely on “bald and unsubstantiated” claims to oppose bail. The State says on February 19 this year, Gwisai, Choto and Mombeyarara convened a meeting at number 43 Julius Nyerere Way in Harare. It is alleged Chakuma, Gumbo and Zimuto were the guest speakers. Entry was reportedly by invitation only and the theme was “ISO calls on workers, students and working people to support the struggle in solidarity with Egyptian and Tunisian workers”.