(Last Updated on March 26, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
HARARE – High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi yesterday quashed the bail appeal made on behalf of MDC Alliance activists Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri.
The duo was arrested earlier this month and charged with convening an illegal gathering in breach of Covid-19 regulations after they called for a press conference demanding the release of fellow activist Makomborero Haruzivishe and the resignation of the police boss Godwin Matanga.
In his ruling, Justice Chitapi maintained the ruling by magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro, arguing that it was not in the interest of justice for the duo to be granted bail.
Magistrate Guwuriro had said the duo had the propensity to keep committing offences in her ruling.
Mamombe and Chimbiri are already facing at least three other separate charges.
“They did not deny addressing a gathering. I would also say the accused showed an attitude of defiance and did not give assurance or suggest any stringent conditions,” said Chitapi in his ruling.