Court grants bail to Chiminya

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

 

Zimbabwean court has released traditional leader Timothy Chiminya on bail, after spending over a month in prison for allegedly insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Chiminya's arrest on December 16, 2024, and subsequent denial of bail on January 8, 2025, sparked widespread concern.

 Harare Magistrate Sheunesu Matova had initially ruled that Chiminya posed a security threat, citing his involvement in dethroning traditional leaders installed by President Mnangagwa. However, Chiminya's lawyer, Gift Mtisi of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, successfully appealed the decision at the Harare High Court.

 On January 31, 2025, High Court Judge Justice Faith Mushure upheld Chiminya's appeal, granting him bail with stringent conditions. Chiminya must pay a US$200 bail surety, restrict his movements to within 25 kilometers of Harare Central Police Station, and report twice weekly to the authorities. He has also been ordered to surrender his passport and avoid interfering with state witnesses or investigations.