ELEVEN Epworth demonstrators, who were being charged with public violence, were yesterday removed from remand by provincial magistrate Tendai Mahwe after the State failed to provide a trial date.
Source: Epworth demonstrators removed from remand – NewsDay Zimbabwe August 31, 2016
BY DESMOND CHINGARANDE
Kudakwashe Masikati, Luckson Bamusi, Simbarashe Tiyanane, Madanhi Fachi, Wellington Magula, Everson Jonasi, Knowledge Chipito, Sylvester Dhlamini, Terrence Muronda, Luckson Ruoko and Nyasha Hwema were told to go home and that the State would proceed by way of summons.
The suspects were part of the protesters from the Greater Harare Association for Commuter Omnibuses who were arrested for demonstrating against police roadblocks.
According to the State, on July 4 this year, police received information that the alleged protesters were hindering smooth movement of traffic at Chans shopping centre in Hatfield by barricading the road using boulders, drums and burning tyres, and were also forcing passengers to disembark from commuter omnibuses.
The State alleged when police officers arrived at the scene, the protesters charged towards them throwing stones and in the process injured a police officer and damaged a police vehicle, leading to their arrest.
Meanwhile, another 50 protesters from Epworth and 54 from Mabvuku, who are also facing charges of public violence, were remanded to September 22 and 23 respectively.
Their lawyer, Jeremiah Bhamu, gave the State notice of his intention to apply for refusal of further remand if the State fails to provide a trial date on the next hearing. Peter Kachirika appeared for the State.
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