10 OCCUPY ACTIVIST APPEAR IN COURT
22 June 2016


10 of the Occupy movement activists appeared today at Harare Magistrate court for routine remand for their case in which they are being accused of obstructing the course of justice.The case was brought to court after the activists were rounded up on 9 June 2016 at Africa Unity Square where they were part of the # 16days of occupation campaign.

The drag net arrest was a follow up to the arrest of 5 other activists ( Patson Dzamara, Pride Mkono, Tatenda Mombeyarara, Makomborero Haruzivishe and Oliver Chikumba) who were charged with 2 counts of robbery and obstruction of justice as well.

Through their fire-brand human rights lawyer, Obey Shava of Mbizvo, Muchadehama and Makoni, the activists inquired on the status of the court order relating to their complaints against police.
The activists had raised a number of complaints including assault, illegal detention, denial for a breastfeeding mother to access her two month old infant as well as denial to medication.
Presiding magistrate Tendai Mahwe said there was no court order to the effect that the state should carry out investigations on the matter.

However Shava inquired if the court record did have the alleged complaints and the magistrate confirmed that indeed there were complaints raised on initial remand.

The magistrate then proceeded to order the state to carry out the investigations and file a report by the next remand date on 12 July 2016.

The activist who appeared before the court are Linda Masarira, Brian Kasunzuma, Rangariraiishe Nhende, Paidamoyo Muzulu, Mandowa Manezh, Webster Mahohoma, Shadreck Dhliwayo, Irvine Takavada, Pamela Mawire and William Chiu.

All the activists deny the charges as fabrications designed by the Central Intellingence Organisation operatives to thwart the protest.

Four of the activists are out on US$500.00 bail while the other six are out on US$200.00 bail.
Released by;
Occupy Movement of Zimbabwe Information Department