Jacob Ngaruvhume
TRANSFORM Zimbabwe leader, Jaob Ngarivhume and his alleged accomplice Kelvin Gonde have been denied bail by Harare magistrate, Farai Gwitima.
The two are being accused of disorderly conduct and participating in an unlawful gathering.
The State alleges that they were among the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists arrested in June while allegedly holding an unsanctioned meeting at Jameson Timba’s place of residence in Harare.
In denying the two bail, Gwitima said the prosecution had tangible reasons warranting the duo’s continued detention awaiting trial.
“It is critical to mention that a bail court can only deny bail where compelling reasons have been shown.
“While it is appreciated from the evidence before the court that the two are of fixed abode with no previous convictions, it is this court’s view that there is reasonable suspicion that calls for continued detention of the accused pending trial.
“In conclusion, the State managed to demonstrate compelling reasons warranting the continued detention of the accused pending trial, bail is hereby denied,” he ruled.
Investigating officer, Victor Mukohwa had opposed bail stating that Ngarivhume has a tendency of breaking the law.
“The first accused has a habit of inciting violence, if released on bail they will team up with those who are in solidarity with him to commit public violence,” Mukohwa said.
The officer also said there are 30 witnesses, who are police officers, lined up to testify against Ngarivhume.
The two will be back in court on August 30 awaiting their trial. — NewZimbabwe
