(Last Updated on February 2, 2021 by GERALD NCUBE)
HARARE – Police on Monday arrested Joana Mamombe, Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri after they participated in a flash demonstration demanding the release of political prisoners including Job Sikhala and Allan Moyo.
A small group of activists yesterday were involved in a protest at the Ministry of Justice offices and the trio took part.
The police arrested Mamombe and her colleagues on allegations that they used “abusive and obscene” language on police officers who had been called to call off the protests.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirm the arrest of Joana Mamombe, Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri in Harare today [Monday] after a flash demonstration outside the New Government Complex.
“The trio who were in a Toyota Fortuner without number plates following a police vehicle with officers who had attended the [protest] scene and used abusive and obscene language on the officers, thus leading to their arrest,” said Police Spokesperson Paul Nyathi.
However, their lawyers said after the release of Netsai Marova, the other two [Mamombe and Chimbiri] were then charged with violating Section 11 of SI 83/2020 for obstructing or hindering police officer performing duties during the lockdown.
“Allegations are, they shouted at police saying do not to arrest people, release them in Shona. Saying police officers should not arrest people as they will infect them with Covid-19 but they must release them,” added their lawyers.
The trio has endured difficult times particularly last year following their abduction and torture. They were then later arrested and charged with faking their abduction and their case is still pending.
They are expected to be in court on Tuesday.