CCC's 14 activists freed on $50,000 bail each

They were being represented by Advocate Thabani Mpofu who was being instructed by Noble Chinhanu of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.

High Court judge Justice Munamato Mutevedzi ordered the 14 Nyatsime residents to report twice at their nearest police station, not to interfere with State witnesses and to reside at their given addresses.

Last week, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) legislator Godfrey Sithole was granted bail on Friday last week on the same charge of inciting violence. CCC legislator Job Sikhala is the only one still behind bars over the same alleged offence. Sikhala faces another separate charge of obstructing the course of justice.

Meanwhile, Sikhala and Sithole’s trial which was expected to start yesterday was postponed to November 24, following a plea by their defence lawyers. The State did not oppose the application for postponement. Sithole’s lawyer Oliver Marwa asked the court to give him time to study the video evidence that he had been given and also to receive further instructions.

Sikhala filed a written application for bail on changed circumstances. The defence led by Jeremiah Bhamu and Douglas Coltart will submit the bail application orally tomorrow.

The case relates to the violent skirmishes which occurred at the funeral wake of murdered CCC activist Moreblessing Ali in June this year.