Police Speak On Mamombe, Chimbiri, Arrest

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has said the MDC Alliance duo – Joana Mamombe (MP) and Cecilia Chimbiri, was arrested on Monday for following and shouting obscenities at a police vehicle.

In a statement, police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Joanna Mamombe, Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri in Harare today after a flash demonstration outside the New Government Complex.

The trio who were in a Toyota Fortuner without number plates followed a Police vehicle with officers who had attended the scene and used abusive and obscene language on the officers thus leading to their arrest.

MDC Alliance described the duo’s arrest as a violation of the constitution and demanded their immediate release.

The two’s lawyers yesterday said they were not aware of the charges levelled against their clients which is a violation of the constitution which states that arrested people should be immediately informed of the charges.

MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson, Clifford Hlatshwayo said the duo was arrested while at its doctor’s place.

Speaking as they arrived at court for bail hearing Tuesday, Mamombe said that she remains resolute and unshaken.

She said young people must be courageous and not be intimidated by these “repressive measures against them by the current authoritarian regime.”

Meanwhile, Harare Magistrate, Mambanje rolled the matter to Wednesday citing time.

The State had opposed bail in the two’s case despite their lawyer, Kwaramba submitting that bail is an urgent matter which relates to the liberty of a person.

Kwaramba submitted that the case should be given priority accusing the state of playing a delay game adding that “we reached the court by 10 am but no record was put forward or explained why we did not attend court.”