A Harare court found five members of the Citizens Coalition for Change guilty on Friday. The magistrate convicted former lawmakers Amos Chibaya and Costa Machingauta plus three activists - Monica Mukwands, Aletta Viremai, and Lancelot Tungwarara. They faced charges related to an unauthorized meeting held at Machingauta's residence last year. The judge let them remain free until Monday when she'll announce their punishment.
Twenty other people arrested at the same event walked free after the magistrate Sharon Rakafa decided they just happened to be there. The court determined the five guilty parties had organized a political assembly and showed up wearing CCC gear. According to trial evidence, Tungwarara created and shared invitations across different social media platforms for the January 14, 2023, gathering. The five convicted individuals arrived at the Budiriro neighborhood home wearing their party t-shirts, caps, and helmets.
Witnesses testified that the group shouted political slogans supporting their leader, Chamisa, during the assembly. Someone tipped off the local police about the meeting happening in the dense suburban area. Law enforcement officers headed to the location to check out what was happening at the residence. They reported that the participants disturbed nearby residents with their activities.
Police asked everyone to leave the area immediately. The group refused these orders from law enforcement. Their resistance led directly to their arrest and the charges that resulted in Friday's conviction. The court will decide their sentences at the beginning of next week.
Twenty other people arrested at the same event walked free after the magistrate Sharon Rakafa decided they just happened to be there. The court determined the five guilty parties had organized a political assembly and showed up wearing CCC gear. According to trial evidence, Tungwarara created and shared invitations across different social media platforms for the January 14, 2023, gathering. The five convicted individuals arrived at the Budiriro neighborhood home wearing their party t-shirts, caps, and helmets.
Witnesses testified that the group shouted political slogans supporting their leader, Chamisa, during the assembly. Someone tipped off the local police about the meeting happening in the dense suburban area. Law enforcement officers headed to the location to check out what was happening at the residence. They reported that the participants disturbed nearby residents with their activities.
Police asked everyone to leave the area immediately. The group refused these orders from law enforcement. Their resistance led directly to their arrest and the charges that resulted in Friday's conviction. The court will decide their sentences at the beginning of next week.
