High Court Judge, Justice Samuel Kudya conceded there was “a change in circumstances” in Manjoro’s case, which warranted the 26 year old and mother of one to be released on US$500 bail. The judge however denied the other seven bail, saying they were still a flight risk considering that at the time of their arrests, all had fled their homes.
Initially when Manjoro was first denied bail, Judge Tendai Uchena said she had no child, when in fact the information was contained in the state’s own case outline.
Pro-democracy activist, Hopewell Gumbo told SW Radio Africa that one of the other circumstances that led to Manjoro being released was that she was due to start a post graduate degree with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo.
“Her offer letter to study for a Masters’ degree came when she was in custody. The fact that she is a young mother with a son to look after and due to start a degree program wouldn’t make her a flight risk,” Gumbo said.
Human rights groups, friends and family have all welcomed her release. But they have also voiced their dismay over the conditions the remaining seven activists are facing in detention, and urged the authorities to free them.
Those who remain in custody are councillor Tungamirai Madzokere of Ward 32 Glen View, brothers Lazarus and Stanford Maengahama, Phineas Nhatarikwa, Stanford Mangwiro, Yvonne Musarurwa and Rebecca Mafikeni.
Manjoro’s mother, Anna used Facebook, the social networking site to thank people for their support. She wrote “the burden was getting heavier sometimes but you were all there to make it lighter.”
“May the almighty god bless each and every one of you for your unwavering support. Stage one is over, we continue fighting for the final acquittal. Thank you all,” she said.
The defence team is already working on plans to launch an appeal at the Supreme Court following indications from state prosecutors that the murder trial of police inspector Petros Mutedza will begin in early next year.
“This is outrageous because it will mean these comrades will spend another six to seven months (in prison) before their trial begins,” Gumbo said.
These seven are part of a group of 24 MDC activists who are facing the same false charges. Inspector Mutedza was murdered by unknown revellers at a night club in Glen View. The other 16 members were granted bail in July.
Meanwhile police have charged 13 Restoration of Human Rights of Zimbabwe (ROHR) activists with ‘public nuisance’ after they were arrested outside the High court on Wednesday. The group staged a protest against the continued detention of the MDC activists facing the murder charges.
Lawyer Gift Mtisi said the charges laid against the protesters were changed from that of ‘unlawful gathering’ to the lesser charge of ‘public nuisance’.
“They were asked to pay a fine of US$20 each so hopefully they should enjoy their freedom once the money is paid by ROHR,” Mtisi said.
Post published in: Politics