82 days later: Jacob Ngarivhume granted bail

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

In a significant turn of events, Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe party, has been released on bail after spending 82 days in detention . High Court Judge Justice Emilia Muchawa ordered Ngarivhume's release on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, setting the bail amount at US$100.

Ngarivhume's lawyer, Godfrey Mupanga of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, had filed an appeal at the High Court after Harare Magistrate Farai Gwitima denied Ngarivhume bail on August 23, 2024, citing concerns that his release would endanger public safety.

Ngarivhume was arrested on August 2, 2024, by Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry, and disorderly conduct ¹. Prosecutors alleged that Ngarivhume, along with others, threw stones at ZRP officers who had raided the residence of opposition Citizens Coalition for Change leader Senator Jameson Timba in Harare's Avondale West suburb on June 16, 2024 ¹. The incident reportedly left two ZRP officers injured and damaged a Mahindra vehicle valued at US$250.

Justice Muchawa's ruling comes with conditions, including the surrender of Ngarivhume's passport and a ban on posting on the social media platform X . Ngarivhume's release on bail marks a significant development in his case, which has drawn attention to the country's judicial system and the treatment of opposition leaders.