EIGHT MDC-T activists, who were arrested this week in Epworth near Harare, following clashes with Zanu PF supporters, were allegedly detained in squalid police cells filled with urine and had to spend the whole night standing, the court heard.
CHARLES LAITON SENIOR COURT REPORTER
The activists are facing charges of political violence.
The allegations were made by the activists’ lawyer, Marufu Mandevere,while making an application for bail at the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Mandevere — who was being assisted by Musindo Hungwe — told Harare provincial magistrate, Tendai Mahwe that some of his clients would seek compensation from the State if what they alleged was done to them was proved to be true.
The eight arrested activists are MDC-T ward 11 councillor Antony Shingadeya (52), Songi Chari (32), Veronica Chinembiri (35), Alex Makina (33), Nyararai Chipindu (52), Moses Chindanga (26), Knowledge Makina (26) and Emmerson Makahamadze (27).
Allegations against the activists are that they were involved in the skirmishes that occurred in Epworth on Sunday pitting MDC-T and Zanu PF supporters. According to the State, the MDC-T held a political rally at Epworth Local Board School open grounds where the main speaker was party president and former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
The State further alleged that after attending the rally, all the accused persons, acting in common purpose, proceeded to Belapazi Farm, a Zanu PF stronghold in the area. Upon arrival at the farm, it is alleged, the activists attacked the complainants with bricks and stones.
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The State alleged they also destroyed windowpanes, doors, chairs and tables, among other property.
Prosecutor Sharon Mashavira opposed the granting of bail on the basis that the group was facing a serious offence, which if convicted, attracted a custodial sentence.
The matter was rolled over to today for bail consideration.
