Pastor Evan Mawarire will have to bear another night at the police cells after the Zimbabwe Republic Police failed to take him to court today. Pastor Evan was arrested on Monday after he addressed medical students at the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences. The students were protesting against an increase in fees. He has been charged with inciting the students to riot. A statement released by Higher Education Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo alleges that the protesting students became violent and started throwing stones after Pastor Evan had addressed them.
However, human rights activist Doug Coltart believes that the police are delaying the process because they know that the charges will not stand. Coltart tweeted:
Just saw Pastor Evan & Ocean in the cells at Harare Central. They’re being held for another night tonight & will be in court tomorrow.
The police are using delay tactics to hold him in custody for the full 48 hours allowed by the constitution before he is brought to court.
They know that the charges are totally baseless, as were the previous ones. They are just trying to tie him up in frivolous litigation.
nxaa bustard Mawarire ngaabude umo haana mhosva