HARARE – Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has denied claims it has dumped its 16 activists who have been languishing in remand prison for nearly two months charged with the violence that rocked Nyatsime in the aftermath of party activist Moreblessing Ali’s shock murder May this year.
The activists, now referred to as the Nyatsime 16, include Chitungwiza MPs Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, whose multiple attempts to secure their freedom have been rejected by the courts.
Speaking at a news conference in Harare Thursday, CCC national spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere blamed police and the courts for allegedly standing between the activists and their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
“Honourable Job Sikhala, honourable Godfrey Sithole and all the Nyatsime group that constitute the Nyatsime 16 have not been let down by the CCC; they have been let down by the system.
“The system is meant to guarantee them certain rights; those rights aren’t guaranteed or given by the CCC.
“It’s not the CCC that says every accused person has the right to bail; it’s the Constitution that says that, and to the extent that a police service or state institution fails to comply with that constitutional obligation, they have failed,” said Mahere.
Critics blame the party for failing to apply sufficient pressure for the release of the activists who include Precious Jeche, Audious Makoma, Misheck Guzha, Shepherd Bulakazi, Tatenda Pindahama, Enock Tsoka, Emmanuel Muradzikwa, Chauya Shopa, Roan Tsoka, Zephanian Chinembiri, Zecks Makoni, Robert Madzokera, Clever Sibanda and Ephrage Gwavava.
The activists were arrested following violent clashes between CCC and Zanu PF supporters during Ali’s memorial in June.
CCC insists its activists were innocent victims of a biased justice delivery system that has selectively applied the law to their disadvantage.
Mahere said no amount of street protests will force the state to change its stance on its incarcerated activists.
