24 CCC members denied bail 

Source: 24 CCC members denied bail –Newsday Zimbabwe

File pic: CCC members arriving at Harare Magistrate court

TWENTY-FOUR Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members facing charges of holding an unsanctioned meeting in Budiriro on Saturday were denied bail when they appeared in court.

The CCC members who include party organizing secretary Amos Chibaya and Budiriro legislator Costa Machingauta appeared before Harare magistrate Yeukai Dzuda.

They were represented by Advocate Wilbert Mandinde and Chris Mhike.

One of the accused persons, a 17 year old, was released under the guardianship of her uncle.

While opposing bail, the state led evidence from investigating officer George Garauzive who said evidence against the CCC members was overwhelming.

Garauzive  expressed fears that they may interfere with witnesses if granted bail.

Dzuda postponed the matter to today for continuation of bail application.

In court yesterday, their lawyers lodged a complaint against the police saying they tortured the CCC members and abused accused female persons

Allegations against them are that on Saturday, the accused persons responded to an invitation for a CCC political party members’ Presidential Assembly meeting held at Machingauta’s residence.

It is alleged that they were heard chanting CCC slogans at the meeting.

Members of ZRP Budiriro received a tip off that the accused were gathered and went to investigate.

According to police, the accused person’s conduct was disturbing the peace of a section of members of the public.

The police allegedly ordered them to disperse but they resisted leading to their arrest.