MASVINGO – A 53-year-old Masvingo primary school teacher who sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment for public violence during a “peaceful” protest for better pay has been freed on bail pending appeal.
Sheila Chisirimunhu, a gender and welfare secretary for the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has been ordered to pay Z$2,000 bail by Masvingo High Court judge Justice Neville Wamambo.
Chirisamhuru had began serving her jail time on December 18, amid outrage from trade union movements and human rights campaigners.
Ruled Wamambo: “The applicant is admitted to bail pending appeal on the following conditions: that she deposits $2,000 bail with the clerk of court Masvingo Magistrates Court; resides at 199 Zaka Street, Mucheke, Masvingo; and to report at Masvingo Central Police Station every last Friday of the month between 6AM and PM. ”
The judge also ordered her not to interfere with witnesses.
Her temporary victory followed a successful challenge by the Zimbabwe Human Rights Lawyers (ZLHR).
The lawyers argued that a lower court erred in convicting her and the sentence handed out.
They are yet to file the appeal against both.
Chisirimunhu was arrested a few months ago during a protest by teachers in Masvingo calling on the government to reinstate their downgraded salaries back to US$520 they earned in October 2018.
According to ARTUZ, Sheila joined other teachers and peacefully protested against the illegal salary slash. She was later arrested and charged with public violence.
“No incidence of violence was ever reported during and after the protest. Sheila was ridiculously convicted of public violence. Her crime was asking for the restoration of her salary,” said ARTUZ.
She was set to serve 10 months after part of her sentence was conditionally set aside.
