High Court Grants Bail to 89 Anti-ED Protesters
The High Court has granted bail to 89 individuals arrested for taking part in the March 31 protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, reversing an earlier decision by the magistrates’ court.
Justice Esther Muremba issued the court order on Wednesday, allowing the group to walk free after a successful appeal lodged by their lawyers.
The judge did not provide reasons for the decision but was clear and firm in her ruling.
“The appeal by all the appellants be and is hereby allowed.
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“The decision by the court a quo denying the appellants bail be and is hereby set aside and in its place is substituted by the following: Each accused shall deposit US$100 with the Clerk of Court at Harare Magistrates Court.”
Justice Muremba also imposed conditions to prevent interference with investigations and ensure court attendance.
“Until the matter is finalised, each accused shall reside at the address listed in the schedule submitted to the State and the court by the accused’s counsel during the appeal hearing,” she ordered.
All but four of the accused are to report to the CID Law and Order division every second Friday between 6 am and 6 pm.
The exceptions Joseph Gatsi, Kudzanai Murungweni, Memory Dehwe, and Munyaradzi Kanonama were ordered to report to police stations in Chegutu, Sanyati, Rusape, and Glendale respectively under the same schedule.
The suspects were represented by human rights lawyers Kossam Ncube, Douglas Coltart, Jeremiah Bamu, and Gift Mutisi from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
Some of the accused had already been granted bail in earlier High Court proceedings, according to NewZimbabwe.
