| Tinaani Nyabereka
GWERU – Mkoba Constituency legislator Amos Chibaya who is also the Citizens Coalition of Change (CCC) National Organising Secretary has been arrested. Chibaya is being charged for holding an unsanctioned meeting sometime in April this year. Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko could not immediately comment on the development. A statement reportedly from the police in possession of this publication confirmed the arrest of Chibaya who is represented by Reginald Chidawanyika of the Chitere and Chidawanyika Law Firm. “My name is Detective Sergeant Musevenzi. I am arresting you, Amos Chibaya NR 12-072745-Y-12 of house number 416/2 Mkoba 13, Gweru in a case of failing to give notice of a procession contravening Section 7(5) of Maintenance of Peace Act where it is alleged that on 30/04/2022 and at Gwindigwi mountains, Charandura you addressed a CCC (Citizens Coalition for Change) meeting without notifying the regulating authority as required by the act shall make this statement of your own free will. “While you have been informed that you are not obliged to say anything in answer to these allegations, your failure at this stage to mention any fact relevant to your defence to these allegations may result in court drawing inferences against you, note that you are allowed at state’s expense to contact a lawyer, medical doctor of your own choice and family members, challenge the lawfulness of your arrest and at your own expense, to consult with the lawyer and medical doctor of your choice,” read the statement. Police crackdown on opposition party members and leaders has been on the rise with two legislators Job Sikhala (Zengeza West) who is also CCC vice chairperson and Chitungwiza North legislator Godfrey Sithole still in custody for allegedly inciting violence during late activist MoreBlessing Ali’s funeral wake. |
