THE High Court has quashed the sentences of three former opposition legislators on charges of promoting public violence following their arrest for allegedly convening and participating in an unsanctioned gathering.
The three former legislators Amos Chibaya, Costa Machingauta and Monica Mukwada, as well as Lancelot Tungwarara and Aleta Virimai were arrested in January 2023 and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breach of peace and/or bigotry.
During trial, prosecutors claimed that Chibaya and his accomplices gathered at the Machingauta residence in Budiriro high-density suburb for a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) gathering wearing party regalia while chanting slogans.
They were convicted in March 2025 by Harare magistrate Sharon Rakafa-Matsika, who sentenced them to a fine of US$500 each or alternatively six months imprisonment in the event of failure to pay.
In addition, a 12 month term of imprisonment was imposed on each convict, which was wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition they do not commit a similar offence during that period.
The three former MPs, who were represented by Chris Mhike of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, appealed against the ruling, arguing that the magistrate erred and grossly misdirected herself in convicting them.
On March 3, 2026, High Court judges Justices Pisirayi Kwenda and Davison Foroma quashed the conviction and sentence.
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