MUTARE provincial magistrate Honest Musiyiwa yesterday released convener of Constitutional Defenders Forum (CDF) Tendai Biti and national programmes director Morgan Ncube on US$500 bail each after having spent two nights behind bars.
Biti and Ncube were arrested on Saturday afternoon on a charge of contravening section 7(5) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act for alleged failure to notify regulating authorities of their “intention to hold a public meeting”.
The two were represented by Chris Ndlovu of Ndlovu and Gonese Legal Practitioners.
Appearing for the State, Tirivanhu Mutyasira stated that Biti and Ncube convened a public meeting at Number 26B Carrington, Darlington, Mutare.
“The place at which the meeting was convened is commonly known for holding public political meetings for MDC Alliance and Citizens Coalition for Change, without the authority of the regulating authority at Mutare Central district,” Mutyasiri said.
“The meeting was attended by about 30 members of the public, including a journalist from Wasu Post, who is not a member or position holder in the Constitutional Defenders Forum.
“The meeting was convened to discuss Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, which they were not mandated to do.”
Biti and Ncube were granted bail on condition that they will not convene and address public gatherings without notifying authorities.
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They were also ordered to report twice every week at the nearest CID Law and Order station.
The matter was remanded to April 13.
