Timba and others to remain in custody

Michael Mashiri

Zim Now Writer

CCC interim leader, James Timba will remain in custody together with 78 members after their bail ruling was deferred to June 27, 2024.

Timba and the others were arrested for disorderly conduct and participation in an unlawful gathering.

They appeared before Magistrate Ruth Moyo at the Harare Magistrates' Courts who mentioned that the deferment was as a result of late filing of closing submissions by the State.

The State alleges that on June 16, 2024, at around 2pm, police received information that there was an unsanctioned gathering at Timba’s house at number 6 Downie Road in Strathaven, Harare.

The court heard that the purpose of the meeting was to plan the staging of unlawful demonstrations in Harare.

Police went to the house where they heard a lot of noise and saw a large gathering.

It is alleged that reinforcements were called in when the suspects behaved in a riotous way by throwing stones at a police vehicle that was slightly damaged.

Police had to use tear smoke to control the crowd and managed to arrest the suspects.

Through their lawyers, they are denying the charges highlighting that they were just celebrating the Day of the African Child when they were arrested.

The investigating officer opposed bail, citing that the suspects were facing a serious offence and also fought with law enforcement agents.

They also contended that they had the propensity of teaming up again and committing a similar offence as evidenced by some CCC members staging a mini demonstration outside court premises last week.