Five former CCC members, including ex-MP Amos Chibaya, escaped prison time after each paid a US$500 fine for joining an illegal gathering. The group received suspended six-month sentences, meaning they stayed free unless caught again within five years. Chibaya, Cosmas Machingauta, Monica Mukwada, Aletta Viremai, plus Lancelot Tungwarara faced charges from January 2023 events. The magistrate acknowledged their first-time offenses plus community work before making her decision.
She mentioned their charity efforts but stated the gathering happened through careful planning. The judge decided prison would hurt their families unnecessarily. About 25 people gathered at Machingauta's home, wearing CCC clothes after receiving social media invitations. They chanted party slogans when police arrived following reports about disturbances. The meet-up location was the Budiriro 5B area of Harare.
She mentioned their charity efforts but stated the gathering happened through careful planning. The judge decided prison would hurt their families unnecessarily. About 25 people gathered at Machingauta's home, wearing CCC clothes after receiving social media invitations. They chanted party slogans when police arrived following reports about disturbances. The meet-up location was the Budiriro 5B area of Harare.
