HARARE, May 18 (NewsDay Live) — The High Court is expected to deliver judgment on Thursday in the bail appeal case involving seven Movement for Democratic Change activists who have been in custody since late April over allegations linked to planned demonstrations against Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
The seven accused — Clifton Zumba, Shingirai Chitauro, John Simon, Tonderai Cephas Makuyana, Decent Dzaida, Jane Makovere and Austin Name — are facing charges of incitement to commit public violence and criminal nuisance.
According to MDC presidential spokesperson Lloyd Damba, the group was initially denied bail at the Harare Magistrates Court before their legal team from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights escalated the matter to the High Court.
“The appeal was heard today at the High Court, with the State opposing bail,” Damba said in a statement released Monday.
“Our defence team countered that the charges are weak, the accused have fixed addresses, and pre-trial detention violates the constitutional presumption of innocence.”
The ruling, expected Thursday, will determine whether the seven are released on bail or remain detained at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison pending trial.
“A ruling in their favour means release on bail under conditions. A ruling against means they remain in Chikurubi Remand until trial,” Damba said.
The case has drawn political attention as the anticipated judgment comes ahead of Parliament’s expected vote on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, legislation that has sparked debate within opposition circles and civil society groups.
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“The judgment will come before Parliament’s vote on CAB 3. Both sides know the political weight of the case right now,” Damba said.
He added that the court’s reasoning could influence how future bail applications in politically sensitive matters are handled under the current administration.
“The High Court’s reasoning will signal how courts are handling bail in politically charged cases under the current legal term in the Second Republic,” he said.
The court has not yet indicated whether the ruling will be handed down in open court or communicated directly to the parties involved.
The seven MDC members remain in remand custody awaiting Thursday’s decision.
