The organisation noted that the release on bail of Jestina and others would enable them to access badly needed medical treatment, and would also bring some relief to their families.
Ms Mukoko and others were abducted from their homes and offices several months ago by state security agents who brutally tortured them for the duration of their detention. They were subsequently charged with crimes ranging from treason, banditry and terrorism. Several court orders including those holding that the abductees should be treated in hospital had previously been ignored.
While we welcome the release of Jestina and others on bail, we condemn the fact that these victims of enforced disappearance, torture and other crimes against humanity should be the ones to be placed on their defense while the perpetrators of such international crimes have not been arrested, said TJC spokesperson and human rights lawyer, Gabriel Shumba, who is the Director of the South African based Zimbabwe Exiles Forum (ZEF). We also lament the extortionate and punitive conditions imposed on Jestina and others, and believe that these were meant to ensure that the abductees remain in custody. The use of judicial institutions including the Attorney-General's office to serve political ends in Zimbabwe should be strongly condemned not only by civil society, but also SADC and the AU, went on Mr Shumba.
Apart from surrendering travel documents, reporting twice a week to the police, the accused have also been asked to pay bail in the sum USD600 and to furnish security in the form of a further USD20 000. Only 3 of the 9 who appeared have so far been able to raise the amounts.
The TJC further notes with great concern that there are about 8 individuals that were abducted around the same time that Jestina was kidnapped, who are reported to be still missing. Shumba said about this We are extremely concerned that in spite of the unity government, the culture of impunity continues to prevail in Zimbabwe. We urge the authorities to leave no stone unturned to ensure that those who are now, and have in the past committed such atrocities will be held to account for these crimes.