High Court Grants Bail To 89 March 31 Protesters After Scathing Ruling
Eighty-nine Zimbabweans arrested on 31 March during anti-government protests have been granted bail by the High Court, with a judge slamming the state for having no real case. The 89 were arrested after fugitive activist Blessed Geza called for protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
Justice Esther Muremba, presiding over the appeal, delivered a scathing rebuke of the National Prosecuting Authority. She questioned the basis for detaining the group, stating bluntly:
“It shows that you have nothing in your docket. How can you have a whole lot of people in custody without witnesses? So that after two years you can withdraw charges after they have languished in prison? Is the state being fair?” as per Zimlive.
Judge slams empty dockets
The 89 individuals had been denied bail by a magistrate and spent over six weeks in custody. But in a dramatic turn, the High Court ruled otherwise.
Justice Muremba said only 15 statements were available—each from arresting officers.
“Out of 95 there are only 15 statements by arresting details explaining where the accused were arrested. If we are to proceed to trial, what evidence are you going to use against them?”
She ordered that each accused pay US$100 bail and reside at the addresses submitted in court. They were also ordered not to interfere with investigations.
Special reporting conditions
While most of the accused must report to CID Law and Order in Harare every alternate Friday, some have specific reporting stations:
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Joseph Gatsi – Chegutu Police Station
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Kudzanai Murungweni – Sanyati Police Station
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Memory Dehwe – Rusape Police Station
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Munyaradzi Kanonama – Glendale Police Station
These reporting requirements will remain in place until the matter is finalised.
Prosecutor concedes weakness
Under pressure from the bench, state prosecutor Charles Muchemwa admitted there were gaps in the case.
“The lower court erred when it denied the suspects bail,” he said.
Muchemwa also conceded that “there might be difficulties” in going ahead with prosecution.
The case has drawn widespread interest on social media, with activists and legal watchdogs questioning the integrity of prolonged pre-trial detentions.
The High Court ruling comes as a relief for families who have been demanding justice and transparency.
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The post “You Have Nothing” – High Court Judge Slams Prosecutors For Being Unfair, Grants Bail to March 31 ‘Protesters’ appeared first on iHarare News.
