CHITUNGWIZA – Thirty-six suspected Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists have been arrested for allegedly destroying homes belonging to some Zanu PF supporters in acts of politically motivated violence that occurred in Nyatsime last week.
The group, which comprises Adam and Trevor Furukiya, Tashinga Chihaka and Donald Mugondegwa, was arrested over the weekend in Nyatsime, Chitungwiza.
They all appeared at the Chitungwiza Magistrates’ Court Monday and were remanded in custody pending bail hearing.
Prosecutors allege the group destroyed Zanu PF cell offices and some houses belonging to ruling party supporters.
The state, represented by Michael Reza, Malvern Mwendera, Faith Simango and Munyaradzi Karimazondo, also alleges the group also attacked some rivals using bricks.
Allegations are that on June 8 this year, at about 5pm, the activists ganged up and invaded Nyatsime area where it destroyed some Zanu PF cell offices, several houses and also assaulted members of the Nyatsime community with bricks, sticks and open hands.
The activists are also accused of taking victims’ valuables which included cash and cell phones.
Prosecutors allege the suspects were positively identified by their victims.
In opposing bail, the investigating officer Ishabi Kasuwa contends releasing the group on bail could be against the interest of justice as it could be difficult to bring them back to face their offences.
“I am the Investigating Officer in a case of Public Violence as defined in section 36 (1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform,) Act, Chapter 9:23 in which Adam Furukiya and thirty five others are the accused persons,” he wrote in court papers.
“On 8 June 2023, accused persons proceeded to Nyatsime area, Chitungwiza where they engaged in acts of public violence by demolishing the Zanu PF cell offices, destroyed several houses and also assaulted members of Nyatsime community thereby causing massive destruction to property and inflicted serious injuries on them.
“I therefore pray that the accused persons be denied bail citing the following reasons.
“Accused are facing an offence which when convicted, calls for a lengthy custodial sentence.
“In view of this and coupled with the evidence the State has, may entice the accused to abscond trial.
“Accused and witnesses stay in the same area and if granted bail they are likely to interfere with witnesses.
“The accused’s accomplices are still at large and their release will further dampen any prospects of arresting them.”
The group is being represented by Freddy Masarirevhu, Noble Chinhano and Marange from the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.
Nyatsime is the centre of fierce clashes among supporters of Zimbabwe’s political rivals witnessed exactly a year ago during slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali’s memorial service.
