A court released 12 people from Sakubva after they spent two days behind bars for joining a teachers union protest. Magistrate Annie Ndiraya set bail at 50 dollars for each person at the local courthouse. The residents face charges of taking part in a violent gathering that disturbed public peace. Police say the group pretended to be teachers during Monday's demonstration. None of the arrested people actually work as educators.
Authorities claim protest leader Prudence Sauriri paid each person three dollars to cause trouble. The group gathered at Sakubva OTS Moslem Church around 11 in the morning. They carried signs and shouted messages that upset public order and safety. Officers arrested the 12 people on Tuesday and Wednesday. Several other protesters escaped and remain free.
Prosecutor Tinotenda Muzondo fought against releasing the suspects on bail. He argued they might skip future court dates because the charges carry jail time. Muzondo said police still need to arrest other protesters from the same event. He worried the released suspects might pressure witnesses to change their stories. Defense lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights represented all 12 people.
The arrested residents range from 18 to 48 years old and come from different backgrounds. Ruth Suwedi leads the group at age 40 and Albert Chirombo follows at 38 years old. The youngest suspect Anashe Nyama just turned 18 last month. Charity Chimbangu represents the oldest member at 48 years of age. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe organized the original protest event.
Authorities claim protest leader Prudence Sauriri paid each person three dollars to cause trouble. The group gathered at Sakubva OTS Moslem Church around 11 in the morning. They carried signs and shouted messages that upset public order and safety. Officers arrested the 12 people on Tuesday and Wednesday. Several other protesters escaped and remain free.
Prosecutor Tinotenda Muzondo fought against releasing the suspects on bail. He argued they might skip future court dates because the charges carry jail time. Muzondo said police still need to arrest other protesters from the same event. He worried the released suspects might pressure witnesses to change their stories. Defense lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights represented all 12 people.
The arrested residents range from 18 to 48 years old and come from different backgrounds. Ruth Suwedi leads the group at age 40 and Albert Chirombo follows at 38 years old. The youngest suspect Anashe Nyama just turned 18 last month. Charity Chimbangu represents the oldest member at 48 years of age. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe organized the original protest event.
