Gweru 14 Arrested Anti-Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 Group Spend Night in Prison
The fourteen opposition supporters and civic actors arrested for unlawful assembly under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) Arrested at Matende Shopping Centre accused of participating in an unsanctioned gathering against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 spent the night in prison after the state requested time to verify the accused’s residential addresses before making bail submissions.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Gweru - The Gweru Magistrates’ Court was packed to capacity on Monday as 14 opposition supporters and civic actors appeared before Magistrate Arnold Maburo, who remanded them in custody pending a bail hearing.
The accused, arrested on Saturday at Matende Shopping Centre, are facing charges of unlawful assembly under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA).
Proceedings unfolded in a charged atmosphere, with the public gallery packed as prominent opposition figures, councillors and civic society members thronged the courtroom in a show of solidarity.
Former Mkoba MP, Amos Chibaya and some local councilors engaged in discussion immediately after the court session
Among those present were former Mkoba Member of Parliament Amos Chibaya, Gweru Mayor Martin Chivhoko, Ward 8 Councillor Jackos Manyanga, Ward 6 Councillor Lovemore Choto, Gweru Urban legislator John Kuka, Admire Paradza, Ward 14 Councillor Danny Ndava and Ward 15 Councillor Prosperity Chikwira, alongside several other councillors, civic group representatives and opposition supporters.
Magistrate Maburo ordered that the accused remain in custody after the state indicated it was not ready to proceed with bail arguments.
Public prosecutor, Helen Khosa, told the court that although the accused had provided their residential addresses, the state needed time to verify their authenticity before making submissions on bail.
“The state will compile and submit written submissions after verification of the accused persons’ residential addresses,” Khosa said.
She added that the state would not make oral submissions at this stage, opting instead to file written submissions once the verification process by the investigating officer is complete.
The matter was subsequently postponed, with the accused remaining behind bars pending the bail determination.
Those appearing in court are Alouis Ziumbwa, Tendai Munhamo, Auther Kalaza, Judith Sibanda, Malvin Chikwekwete, Calvin Maganga, Clive Nyathi, Gilson Chibaya, Livingston Chimina (former Chiwundura Member of Parliament), Prince Muzhanda, Nicholas Chitambudza, Otilia Mkandla, Tarisai Machando and Wellington Chimoto.
They were all represented by senior Gweru lawyer, Advocate Reginald Chidawanyi.
The state alleges that the group participated in an unsanctioned gathering aimed at expressing opposition to the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, in violation of MOPA provisions.
The arrests were carried out by members of the Gweru Urban District Reaction Group, reportedly acting on prior intelligence to disrupt the meeting before it could gain momentum.
