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Tendai Rupapa Senior Court Reporter
Twelve MDC-T supporters, including a pastor with a local church, who allegedly staged illegal demonstrations, blocking the smooth flow of traffic in Harare and stoning police officers were yesterday freed on $100 bail each. It is alleged the gang sang and waved placards while walking along Nelson Mandela Avenue. Joshua Chigwida (32), Obert Chirape (36), David Mazibiye (45), Collen Mhizha (30), Gardner Propedra (30), Jesman Mwachande (32), Kudzanai Maponga (18), Wisdom Pemhiwa (27), Gibson Marihoho (31), Casper Charama (20), Tongesai Chirisa (29) and Stephen Kalima (32) – a pastor with Heartfelt International Ministries – yesterday appeared before Mr Tendai Mahwe.
They were charged with “participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace”. Mr Mahwe granted them bail with the State’s consent, coupled with some conditions. Prosecutor Mrs Idah Mateke-Maromo alleged that on November 12 at around 2pm, a group of 50 MDC-T members gathered at Harvest House, the party’s headquarters in the city centre, as they wanted to stage the illegal demonstration.
It is the State’s case that the group started marching along Nelson Mandela Avenue going towards First Street. They were singing and chanting slogans, the court heard. It is the State’s case that the group was waving placards written, “Time to cry is over, it’s time to act”, “Stop violence or we will stop you” and “No to dark cities”.
As they were marching, the group met the Police Reaction Group and the Support Unit and upon noticing the police, the gang picked up stones and stoned them, the State alleged.
The police managed to arrest 12 of the rowdy gang, while their accomplices fled from the scene. Last week, 16 supporters of the same party, including its National Assembly member for Highfield East Eric Murai were arrested for stoning police officers at an unsanctioned rally in Hopley, Harare South.
The gang was granted $200 bail each by a Mbare magistrate.
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