THIRTEEN Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) activists who were facing charges of contravening Section 37(1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act after an illegal gathering in Gweru have been acquitted. Everson Mushava
Nicholus Magaya, Fungai Chara, Soul Chengedzeni, Cleopas Walter Muridzo, Mike Mureyani, Dereck Marijeki, Upward Mutendereki, Sungai Mazando, Takaruza Tangai Hatityi, Trust Gweme, Victor Mazhindu and Purity Gora were set free by Midlands provincial magistrate Phathekile Msipa on Tuesday.
Nyashadzashe Moyo Ngarivhume, the wife of TZ president Jacob Ngarivhume, was also part of the activists arrested in Gweru on July 14. They were represented by Reginald Chidawanyika.
The state had alleged that the 13 had gathered with the intention to promote public violence.
In a statement TZ said the magistrate ruled that the State witnesses had failed to prove a prima facie case against the 13 accused persons.
“The State witnesses had failed to identify any of the accused persons and could not even tell the honourable court which songs were allegedly sung by the accused,” TZ said.
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“Members of the public had not reported complaints about the alleged disturbance of peace on the day in question. All the State witnesses were police officers raising the question whether the officers constituted the public.”
TZ leader Jacob Chengedzeni Satiya Ngarivhume is also on trial at Nyanga Magistrates Court facing charges of contravening the Public Order and Security Act.