Timba, 33 co-accused convicted of unlawful gathering
HARARE- In a verdict delivered yesterday, Harare Regional Magistrate Collet Ncube convicted CCC administrator Jameson Timba and 33 others for unlawful gathering, following a raid on Timba’s residence on June 16, 2024.
In a separate development, 31 activists were acquitted of the charges, while 13 others were discharged at the close of the State’s case bringing the total number of accused persons from 78 to 34.
The State, led by Lancelot Mutsokoti alleged that police received a tip-off on June 16, 2024, at around 2 pm, about an unauthorized meeting underway at Timba’s residence which led to a police operation to disperse the gathering.
Allegations suggest that the gathering at Timba’s residence was intended to coordinate unauthorized protests within Harare.
Upon arrival at the residence, police were met with a loud uproar and a subsequent observation revealed a sizable crowd had gathered.
As the situation escalated out of control, reinforcements were summoned after the suspects turned violent, hurling stones at a police vehicle which sustained minor damage.
To restore order, police deployed tear gas, successfully dispersing the crowd and arresting the suspects.
The matter has been postponed to Monday, November 25, 2024, for a pre-sentencing hearing.
