Three Domboshava youths have been arraigned before the Harare Magistrates Court following demonstrations that rocked the country last month.
The trio of Dehlroy Dube (33), Artwell Chaola (26) and Kudakwashe Chaola (26) appeared before Harare Magistrate Edwin Marecha charged with participating in a demonstration that the state deemed illegal.
This comes after scores of people gathered at Mverechena Business Centre to demonstrate against a worsening economic situation.
The State led by Caroline Mutimusakwa implored the court to give the trio harsh penalties as a way of setting an example for whoever might consider engaging in “unsanctioned demonstrations.”
The trio were remanded out of custody on strict bail conditions. They are expected to appear in court, in a fortnight for purposes of routine remand and trial date.
Political analyst Stanford Gezi feared that security concerns were being used as an excuse to harass demonstrators or non-demonstrators, which undermines the fundamental principles granted by Zimbabwe’s Constitution and international law.
“These arrests are politically motivated, it is clear that these youths were simply exercising their democratic rights and these arbitrary arrests must stop,” said Gezi.
“The Constitution guarantees under section 59 that every person has the right to demonstrate and to present petitions, but these rights must be exercised peacefully, and the demonstrators should not seek to harm anyone or destroy or loot property,” he continued.
“In terms of section 219 of the Constitution, the Police have a duty to protect and secure the lives and property of the people, uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and enforce the law without fear or favour.”
