HARARE – CCC activist Makomborero Haruziviishe who spent almost a year in prison after being convicted for allegedly blowing a whistle during a protest, has had his conviction and sentence quashed by the High Court.
Justice Zhou and Justice Chikowero found Haruziviishe not guilty.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Right lawyer Obey Shava who obtained the High Court order quashing the conviction and sentence, said his client was “innocent from day one.”
“Unfortunately, no one can reverse the loss of liberty, the inhumane and degrading treatment he suffered during the period of persecution, the ill treatment, including assault occasioned upon him whilst in detention. Weaponisation of the law must stop,” Shava said.
The CCC youth leader activist was imprisoned after being sentenced 14 months for allegedly inciting public violence when he whistled at Harare’s busy Copa Cabana terminus in April 2021.
In his appearance in court, the activist pleaded innocent to the charges and was then moved from Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison to Harare Central by the High Court.
Makomborero’s incarceration continued despite a court order granting him bail pending appeal, raising concern with civil society.
He was eventually released on bail on 8th January 2022 after spending almost a year in prison.
