Postponement Delays Judgment for CCC Activists Awaiting Verdict

The judgment for Senator Jameson Timba and 66 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists has been postponed again due to the absence of Magistrate Collet Ncube, who was expected to deliver the ruling on Monday.

In Ncube’s absence, Magistrate Donald Ndirowei adjourned the case, setting a new date for Friday, November 15, 2024, as the anticipated day for the ruling on this high-profile case.

Timba and his co-defendants were initially arrested in June 2024 during a Day of the African Child commemoration event in Harare. Their continued detention has drawn criticism, with bail denied on three prior occasions, despite arguments from their defense.

Since the trial concluded last month, the activists have remained incarcerated, with their legal team describing detention conditions as “inhabitable” and urging authorities to consider their prolonged confinement.

Representing the activists, attorney Lazarus Mbereko expressed hope for a resolution. “The trial magistrate’s absence postponed the case, but we hope he delivers judgment Friday at 11:15 AM,” Mbereko stated.

CCC’s spokesperson, Darlington Chigumbu, voiced frustration at the delays. He emphasized the injustice of their detention, arguing that “justice delayed is justice denied,” with the activists remaining jailed for what he called “politically motivated” reasons.

Chigumbu added, “They should not be in jail. We are deeply disappointed by the drawn-out nature of this case. They are punishing individuals who committed no crime.”

Chigumbu further emphasized the activists’ hope for a positive outcome on Friday, stating, “We are hopeful the judgment will free our colleagues, so they may reunite with their families.”

The CCC official condemned what he described as a selective application of the law, noting the activists were charged for exercising their constitutional right to assemble, while Zanu PF has reportedly conducted public gatherings without police interference.

International observers and human rights advocates are closely watching the case.