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Fadzayi Mahere, a Member of Parliament for the Mt Pleasant constituency, expressed concern that people who have been abducted and tortured are scared to report their ordeal to the police. She said they fear the government will treat them like they did with Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri, and Netsai Marova. These three individuals claimed to have been abducted and tortured by suspected state security agents, but the State accused them of faking their abduction and were arrested for spreading lies. The case against them is still ongoing.
Recently, another MP from the opposition party, Takudzwa Ngadziore, along with former MP James Chidhakwa, claimed they were <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/11/02/police-say-ngadziore-yet-to-report-alleged-abduction-and-torture/">abducted, tortured, and injected with an unknown substance.</a> Ngadziore’s abduction was recorded live on Facebook before he was taken to Mazowe, where he was tortured and left naked.
The public expressed outrage over the incidents on social media. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) stated that they are trying to contact Ngadziore to gather more information about the alleged abduction. In a short statement on X, the ZRP said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP has been keenly following an allegation of abduction and torture on Social Media. The Police inform the public that no such case has been reported. We are trying to make contact with the alleged victim so as to elicit the facts beyond what is on social media.
</blockquote>
Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana, said investigations on all matters including those around the unverified pictures and video clips are also underway. He said:
<blockquote>
 We have been keenly following an allegation of abduction and torture trending on Social Media. We have also been handling a number of Media Inquiries on the same matter. We are liaising with the @PoliceZimbabwe who advise us that no such case has been reported to them so far. They also informed us that they are trying to make contact with the alleged victim so as to get more facts about this case, as currently they only have Social Media chatter to go by. They will issue a more operational statement in due course. Thank you.
</blockquote>
Dr Walter Mzembi, a former Tourism Minister who is currently living in exile, stated that it didn’t make sense for the police to wait for a report from Ngadziore when there is clear footage showing the alleged perpetrator carrying an AK47 rifle. He said:
<blockquote>
Is @PoliceZimbabwe so complacent let alone our security forces that they will wait for a Police Report when there is footage of people marauding with AK47 Assault Rifles in suburbs substituting them in their role unless the only explanation being that they know the people in the footage and it was an authorised operation?
</blockquote>
Former PetroTrade board chair, Tinomudaishe Chinyoka suggested that the said footage was no admissible evidence in a court of law. He responded to Mzembi:
<blockquote>
Ahh, Minister! Footage doesn’t mean it’s a crime, it could be a film being shot. Are you saying the police should investigate things based on tweets? Will we be safe?
</blockquote>
In response to Nick Mangwana’s statement saying police had not received any report, Mahere said the victims were afraid of what happened to Mamombe and colleagues. She said:
<blockquote>
Last time, Joana, Cecilia and Netsai reported their abduction and torture. You guys turned on them. They were arrested and prosecuted for “communicating falsehoods.” The perpetrators went free. This is why we describe you as a violent, corrupt dictatorship that offends the Constitution at every turn. Your call for a police report to be made is not bona fide at all.
</blockquote>
In the past, authorities have made claims suggesting that people who reported being abducted were possibly staging the abductions themselves in order to damage the government’s reputation. They have also suggested that there could be a “third force” that was responsible for carrying out these abductions in an attempt to tarnish the government’s image.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

Abduction Victims Afraid To Report Fearing What Happened To Mamombe And Colleagues - Mahere

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has urged the government to criminalise abductions and enforced disappearances in accordance with the country’s constitution. On the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, the human rights organization emphasized the need for the government to ratify the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. ZHLR said:
<blockquote>
While in Section 53, the Constitution expressly outlaws torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, the lack of legislation that criminalises abduction and enforced disappearances has created a gap in domestic law and fuelled impunity.
</blockquote>
ZHLR said the recent surge in reported cases of enforced disappearances, particularly targeting government critics, highlights the urgency for Zimbabwean authorities to establish a legal framework that prevents such grave human rights violations and ensures justice and redress for victims and their families. ZLHR also called upon both state and non-state actors to take effective measures in preventing enforced disappearances and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Several government critics, including opposition members and human rights defenders, have made claims of being abducted by suspected state security agents. Some notable cases include Itai Dzamara, a well-known activist advocating for political change, he was abducted in 2015 and has not been seen since.
Another one is Jestina Mukoko, a human rights activist and journalist. She was abducted in 2008 and held incommunicado for several weeks before being charged with plotting to overthrow the government. Tawanda Muchehiwa, a journalism student, was abducted in 2020 and allegedly tortured by suspected state security agents. Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri, and Netsai Marova claimed that they were abducted by suspected state security agents in 2020 after participating in a protest and reportedly subjected to torture and sexual assault.
The government denies these allegations, claiming they are staged to tarnish its image. Authorities often attribute the abductions to a “third force” aiming to discredit the government. Some analysts argue that these abductions are intended to instil fear among government critics who expose human rights violations and mismanagement by the government.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

ZLHR Urges Zimbabwe To Criminalise Abductions And Enforced Disappearances

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it will appeal the decision of the High Court to acquit Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists Joanna Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri who were being accused of falsely accusing the state of abducting and torturing them back in 2020.
Mamombe and Chimbiri, who were initially charged with fellow party activist Netsai Marova who skipped the country over alleged persecution, were accused of faking their abduction to soil the government’s image.
They were accused of publishing falsehoods.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 05 July, the NPA said it will appeal Harare High Court judge, Priscilla Munangati Manongwa’s decision to acquit the duo.
The NPA said the judge erred in reaching the not guilty verdict. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The State will be appealing the decision of the High Court in the case of Joana Mamombe and Cecelia Revai Chimbiri versus the Chief Magistrate F Mushure NO and the State The State is of the considered view that the judgment is defective for want of compliance with the High Court Act (Chap 7:06) as well as precedent which provides that another Judge must concur with the presiding Judge before the judgment is handed down.
The State is also contending that the Judge grossly misdirected herself by interfering with the unterminated proceedings from the lower court as the termination of proceedings in this case was unjustified.
Furthermore, the State is certain that another court presented with the same facts might come to a different conclusion.
</blockquote>
In her ruling, Justice Manongwa said the state case was full of “malice and falsehoods” in its pursuit of the case.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

NPA Says Will Appeal Mamombe, Chimbiri Acquittal

Joanna Mamombe, a lawmaker for the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), and party activist Cecilia Chimbiri have been acquitted by the High Court in a case where they were accused of publishing falsehoods.
The women were charged following a 2020 incident where they claimed to have been abducted and tortured by suspected state agents. The activists were arrested at a police roadblock after staging a flash anti-government demonstration in Warren Park, Harare. Mamombe and Chimbiri, together with Netsai Marova who has since fled the country, were put in police custody at Harare Central Police Station. However, they were later discovered injured and soiled in Bindura, 70km outside Harare, after their friends and party raised an alarm about their disappearance.
The state accused them of lying about their abduction to harm the government’s reputation, arguing that CCTV footage showed them in Belgravia during the time they claimed to have been abducted. Authorities, however, did not explain how the trio escaped from police custody.
In court, Joanna Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri’s lawyer, Alec Muchadehama, accused the State of punishing his clients due to the hype their case received on social media. The women were acquitted after appealing against magistrate Vongai Guuriro Muchuchuti’s ruling that they had a case to answer and should proceed to a defence hearing.
In delivering the ruling, High Court judge Justice Priscilla Munangati Manongwa said the lower court had erred in failing to discharge the women at the close of the State’s case. The judge criticised the State’s case, saying it was marred with malice and falsehoods. The judge also highlighted that it was unconstitutional and against the principles of the court to push the applicants into a defence case to supplement the inadequacies of the State’s case and hope that in the process they incriminate themselves. The judge ordered the women’s discharge at the close of the State’s case.
The judge ruled that the State’s case was marred with malice and falsehoods and that the women should be found not guilty and acquitted at the close of the State case.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Fake Abduction Case: Mamombe And Chimbiri Acquitted

The High Court has granted an application to halt the trial of proceedings in a case where Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Joana_Mamombe">Joana Mamombe</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cecilia_Chimbiri">Cecilia Chimbiri</a> are being accused of allegedly filing false abduction reports.
Mamombe and Chimbiri, who are being represented by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Alec_Muchadehama">Alec Muchadehama</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jeremiah_Bamu">Jeremiah Bhamu</a> had asked the higher court to stop the proceedings of the lower court to enable it to review magistrate Faith Mushure’s ruling for discharge which she dismissed.
High Court judge Justice Munangati-Manongwa granted the application pending review. The judge ruled:
<blockquote>
It is ordered that the trial proceedings against the applicants in the magistrates court be, and is hereby stayed pending the determination of the application for review in the High Court.
The applicants shall file a complete transcript of the proceedings not later than October 7. The respondents to file opposition papers by October 21, the applicants shall file answering affidavit on October 28, heads of arguments by applicants on November 4 and respondents by November 17. The application for review shall be heard on November 17 at 10 am.
</blockquote>
Mamombe, Chimbiri and their colleague, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Netsai_Marova">Netsai Marova</a> claim that they were arrested during a flash food protest in Warren Park on the 13th of May in 2020. Police initially issued a statement confirming the arrest but later retracted the statement.
The trio say they were then kidnapped from police custody by suspected state security agents who allegedly physically and sexually assaulted them the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/05/15/mamombe-and-other-party-members-found-in-bad-shape-mdc/">whole night before dumping them</a> in Bindura, some 86 km from Harare.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

High Court Halts Trial Proceedings In Chimbiri, Mamombe Abduction Case

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Makomborero_Haruzivishe">Makomborero Haruzivishe</a> who is wanted by the police was spotted outside Zimbabwe.
Haruzivishe is one of the five CCC members who disappeared during their trial on charges of staging “an illegal demonstration” in Warren Park, Harare, in May 2020, the State has said.
Prosecutor Miss Police Muzamani told the court on Friday that the police now have a lead on where Makomborero Haruzivishe might be after he disappeared during the trial of the five. 
Haruzivishe is on the run and has been issued a warrant of arrest.
Meanwhile, fellow CCC member, Womberaiishe Nhende, Thursday posted a picture of himself, Haruzivishe and some other people suggesting that Haruzivishe had skipped the country’s border. He captioned it:
<blockquote>
A very huge welcome for my brother Makomborero Haruzivishe
</blockquote>
His co-accused are <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Joana_Mamombe">Joana Mamombe</a>, Stanley Manyenga, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cecilia_Chimbiri">Cecilia Chimbiri</a> and Lovejoy Chitengu. 
They appeared in court yesterday charged with participating in a gathering with intent to commit public violence or violating COVID-19 lockdown regulations. 
They denied the charges arguing that the charges they were facing were based on repealed law and they could not thus be prosecuted.
Mamombe and her co-accused argued that participating in a gathering was not an offence. They say holding placards did not constitute an offence and the State failed to pinpoint who was holding the placards.
Miss Muzamani sought a postponement to October 19 to allow police to track down Haruzivishe and this was granted. 
Haruzivishe was early this year from pre-trial detention where he had spent nearly 10 months. The 29-year-old was released on ZWL$20 000 bail.
He has been facing a number of charges including inciting public violence and kidnapping.
He denies violating any law, and his party says “these are trumped-up charges” must be viewed as the government’s attempt to crack down on dissent.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Wanted Makomborero Haruzivishe Spotted Outside Zimbabwe

Harare magistrate Taurai Manuwere has issued a warrant of arrest against Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Makomborero_Haruzivishe">Makomborero Haruzivishe</a> for failing to attend court Tuesday.
Haruzuvishe is accused of breaching COVID-19 regulations by taking part in an anti-government protest in Harare’s Warren Park suburb during the country’s lockdown period.
The trial failed to proceed Tuesday after Haruzivishe did not attend.
Haruzivishe is jointly charged with CCC legislator <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Joana_Mamombe">Joana Mamombe</a> and fellow activists <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cecilia_Chimbiri">Cecilia Chimbiri</a>, Stanley Manyenga and Lovejoy Chitengu. They were remanded to September 16.
His lawyer Alec Muchadehama said he will make an effort to locate his client. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/09/activist-haruzivishe-issued-with-arrest-warrant-for-skipping-trial/">ZimLive.com</a> quotes him as saying:
<blockquote>
We agree to the postponement your worship.
The date is by consent of your worship and this will give us time to track the whereabouts of the accused. We are also not aware of his whereabouts.
</blockquote>
<h2>Other charges:</h2>
Haruzivishe also faces kidnapping charges with an alternative charge of participating in a gathering with the intent to promote public violence.
He is accused of chain locking employees of Impala Car Rental inside their shop in Harare while protesting the arrest of ZINASU leader <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Takudzwa_Ngadziore">Takudzwa Ngadziore</a>.
Haruzivishe has spent 10 months in jail before, after defaulting court and also got convicted for resisting law officers.
He was granted bail earlier this year by the High Court following a successful appeal.
In the case for which he was supposed to appear in court Tuesday, Haruzivishe is accused of staging an anti-government protest during a government-declared lockdown.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Warrant Of Arrest  Issued For Makomborero Haruzivishe

Data records have indicated that cellphones owned by Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri never left Harare on the day they claim to have been abducted.
During re-examination by the State, Engineer Tapera Christopher Kazembe said on the day the CCC activists claimed to have been abducted, there were no records of calls from a location outside Harare.
He added that there was user usage on the cellphones considering the volumes of data that was recorded on call date records. 
Asked prosecutor Mr Michael Reza:
<blockquote>
On the documents which you prepared, was there evidence that from 2pm and 10pm, the cellphones never left Harare or the urban area?
</blockquote>
Eng Kazembe replied: 
<blockquote>
On the call records, from time of 2 pm up to 10 pm on the 13th of May, there is no record of call made out of area of Harare. The mobile phones did not leave Harare.
</blockquote>
The State accuses Mamombe, Chimbiri and Netsai Marova of faking their own abduction to soil the image of the government. 
The trio went missing in Warren Park on Wednesday 13 May after they were reportedly abducted during a flash protest. 
  
Police initially alleged that they had arrested the three but later denied that the three were in custody. The trio claims that suspected state security agents abducted them from police custody, sexually abused them and dumped them in Bindura.
Mamombe and Chimbiri are expected to be back in court on March 31 when chief magistrate Mrs Mushure makes a ruling on the State’s application to recall its witness.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mamombe-chimbiri-cellphones-never-left-harare-court-told/">The Herald</a>

New Twist To Mamombe, Chimbiri Abduction Case

Human rights activist and MDC Alliance national youth deputy organising secretary, Netsai Marova, has been issued with an arrest warrant after she allegedly failed to abide by her bail conditions imposed by the court.
Marova is facing a number of criminal charges at the Harare Magistrates Court.
She is jointly charged with MP for Harare West, Joana Mamombe (MDC Alliance) and MDC Alliance national youth assembly vice-chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri on allegations of violating COVID-19 lockdown measures and faking their abductions sometime last year.
READ MORE| <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/29/trial-of-mdc-trio-on-faking-abduction-charges-commences/">Trial Of MDC Trio On Faking Abduction Charges Commences</a>
Prosecutor Michael Reza on Thursday said Marova defied the court order on her bail conditions and failed to report to the police.
He said this while making an application for revocation of Mamombe’s bail on allegations of failing to report to the police on 27 August.
Lawyer Alec Muchadehama, who appeared on Mamombe’s behalf with Jeremiah Bamu, told the court that Marova was not issued with a warrant of arrest.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/arrest-warrant-for-marova/">The Herald</a></h4>

Arrest Warrant For Human Rights Activist Netsai Marova

MDC Alliance legislator for Harare West, Joanna Mamombe, is in trouble after she allegedly failed to report at Harare Central Police as ordered by the High Court as part of her bail conditions.
Mamombe is facing several criminal cases including inciting the public to commit violence and breaching Covid-19 regulations among other charges.
<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mamombe-in-trouble-for-skipping-bail-conditions/">NewZimbabwe.com reports</a> that Mamombe was supposed to report to the police last Friday but failed as she had travelled to her rural home.
Tuesday, Prosecutor Michael Reza sought her committal to prison for failing to report to the police as ordered by the High Court in a case in which she is accused of participating in anti-government demonstrations in 2020.
However, through her lawyer, Jeremiah Bamu, Mamombe explained that: “she failed to report on Friday after returning to Harare from her rural area after 6 pm and could not make it during the stipulated time since the curfew was now in operation.”
Mamombe returns to court Thursday for the continuation of her hearing on breaching her bail conditions. Said the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights:
<blockquote>
We are challenging the bid to have her imprisoned as she reported at ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) Saturday morning after missing the Friday time slot while travelling from her rural area and curfew time had kicked in.
</blockquote>
Mamombe has since last year been in and out of courts and prison for several offences including violation of COVID-19.
She was also arrested for allegedly faking her abduction. <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/05/15/mamombe-and-other-party-members-found-in-bad-shape-mdc/">Mamombe and her two party colleagues, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova had claimed that suspected security agents</a> had abducted them from police custody, sexually assaulted them before dumping them in Bindura, about 86km from Harare. 
Authorities deny the allegations but have not explained how the duo escaped from police custody. 

She is out of custody.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw">Pindula News</a>

Joana Mamombe In Trouble For Violating Bail Conditions

High Court judge, Justice Tawanda Chitapi, Wednesday granted $20,000 bail each to MDC Alliance duo <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Joana_Mamombe">Joana Mamombe</a> and Cecilia Chimbiri, with strict conditions.
The ruling was expected Tuesday but was delayed to Wednesday after <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/04/judge-postpones-mdc-duo-bail-ruling-over-toothache/">the learned judge said he had a toothache.</a>
Granting bail to Harare West MP Mamombe and MDC Alliance deputy Youth Assembly Secretary Chimbiri, Justice Chitapi, however, noted that their alleged conduct was “testing the court’s patience”
Mamombe and Chimbiri are being accused of breaching Covid-19 regulations after holding <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/05/joana-mamombe-cecelia-chimbiri-arrested-again/">a press conference at the Magistrates’ Court expressing disappointment and solidarity with their colleague Makomborero Haruzivishe</a> who was convicted and sentenced to 14 months in jail.
Mamombe and Chimbiri’s prolonged detention had attracted criticism on the ZANU PF government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Bail for the dup comes after the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/29/uk-closely-following-mdc-trios-abduction-case/">United Kingdom had commented saying it was closely following the other case, (abduction case)</a> while Peter Hain, a member of the British House of Lords had applied for <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/04/uks-peter-hain-applies-for-more-sanctions-on-zimbabwe/">additional sanctions to be placed on Zimbabwe.</a>

<ol>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/05/04/uks-peter-hain-applies-for-more-sanctions-on-zimbabwe/">UK’s Peter Hain Applies For More Sanctions On Zimbabwe</a></li>
<li>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/29/uk-closely-following-mdc-trios-abduction-case/">UK “Closely Following” MDC Trio’s Abduction Case</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/03/05/joana-mamombe-cecelia-chimbiri-arrested-again/">Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri Arrested, Again</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/06/makomborero-haruzivishe-sentenced-to-20-months-in-prison/">Makomborero Haruzivishe Sentenced To 20 Months In Prison</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/07/what-are-we-fighting-for-tonderai-dombo-on-makomboreros-sentencing/">What Are We Fighting For – Tonderai Dombo On Makomborero’s Sentencing</a>
</li>
</ol>
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

JUST IN: Justice Chitapi Grants Bail To Mamombe, Chimbiri

High Court Judge, Justice Tawanda Chitapi, postponed a bail ruling on an appeal made by MDC Alliance duo Cecilia Chimbiri and Joana Mamombe a second time, saying he has a toothache.
Mamombe and Chimbiri are being accused of breaching Covid-19 regulations after holding a press conference at the Magistrates’ Court expressing disappointment and solidarity with their colleague Makomborero Haruzivishe who was convicted and sentenced to 14 months in jail.
They were first denied bail at the lower court last month and applied for bail at the High Court where they were denied bail again by Justice Chitapi.
They went back and applied for bail at the Magistrates Court citing changed circumstances but Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro denied them freedom and urged the duo to wait for their trial which is scheduled for the 5th of May 2021.
The two applied for bail for the fourth time before Justice Chitapi last week and he postponed judgement to today. With their lawyer, Alec Muchadehama of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) Chimbiri and Mamombe went to the High Court anticipating ruling but they were told Justice Chitapi was unwell with a “toothache.” ZLHR confirmed:
<blockquote>_Our lawyer Alec Muchadehama will have to return to Harare High Court on Wednesday @11:30 am to take note of Justice Chitapi’s judgment on the bail appeal for Hon. @JoanaMamombe &amp; @ceechimbiri2. Justice Chitapi couldn’t hand down the ruling today as he is not feeling well today._</blockquote>
MDC Alliance national Secretary-General Charlton Hwende said the High Court’s failure to deliver ruling showed that the judiciary system in Zimbabwe was captured.
<blockquote>_High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi has postponed the bail ruling for MDC Alliance members Cecilia Chimbiri and Joana Mamombe saying he has a toothache. Under normal circumstances, another judge would have been tasked to deliver the ruling. These courts are captured._</blockquote>
This comes as Peter Hain, a member of the British House of Lords has applied for the placement of more sanctions on Zimbabwe over the way the Zimbabwean government is handling Mamombe and colleagues’ cases.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News;</a> <a href="https://nehandaradio.com/2021/05/04/justice-chitapi-toothache-delays-mamombe-chimbiri-bail-ruling/">Nehanda Radio</a>

Judge Postpones MDC Duo Bail Ruling Over "Toothache"

Peter Hain, a member of the House of Lords in Britain, on April 27 2021, wrote a letter to British Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, demanding that the UK places <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/State_Of_The_Nation_With_Zororo_Makamba">additional sanctions against Zimbabwe.</a>
Hain accuses Zimbabwe of being behind the alleged <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mamombe-and-other-party-members-found-in-bad-shape-mdc/">abduction of the MDC Alliance trio, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.</a>
He further cites how the government handles the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-hospitalised-joana-mamombe-refusing-to-return-to-prison/">“ill” Harare West legislator, Mmombe</a> as the basis for the imposition of sanctions on the Southern African country.
In the letter, Hain asks Raab “what steps HMG is taking to the Zimbabwean government to account for these gross violations of human rights?”
The MDC trio claims that it was abducted <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">by suspected state security forces while in police custody in May 2020.</a>
Mamombe and colleagues had been arrested for organising, leading and participating in a flash food demonstration in Warren Park.
The state said the protest was in violation of COVID-19-induced lockdown regulations meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The state also denies allegations that the trio was abducted saying the alleged heinous act was staged to soil the image of the President Emmerson Mnangagwa-led administration.
The UK, and its allies, first imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe at the turn of the millennium following the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Third_Chimurenga">chaotic land reform programme in Zimbabwe that saw scores of white farmers being displaced.</a>
The UK claimed that there was a gross violation of human rights as some white farmers were killed and or disposed of their properties.
The world giant is adamant that the sanctions will be removed once Zimbabwe has implemented requisite reforms that promote and enhance democracy.
Zimbabwe which denies the allegations of human rights abuses, says<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/think-long-and-hard-about-consequences-of-your-impatience-sb-moyo-tells-western-countries/"> it will implement reforms at a sustainable pace. </a>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/hains-heinous-plot-against-zim/">The Herald</a>

UK's Peter Hain Applies For More Sanctions On Zimbabwe

The United Kingdom (UK) has said it is still closely following the abduction case of MDC Trio, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova.
UK ambassador to Zimbabwe, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Melanie_Robinson">Mrs Melanie Robinson</a>, posted on Twitter reminding Zimbabwe that the MDC trio, like all other prisoners, has the right to equal and fair treatment. <a href="https://twitter.com/HMAMelanieR/status/1387744075093315586">Said Robinson</a>:
<blockquote>Still following the case of Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova closely. Very important that Joana continues to get the medical attention she needs. All prisoners have the right to equal and fair treatment under the law.</blockquote>
The UK ambassador speaks when the MDC trio appeared before the High Court yesterday for the commencement of their abduction case.
The State accuses the three female activists of faking their abduction in May last year.
Mamombe and colleagues claim that they were abducted by suspected state security forces while in police custody following their arrest at a flash food protest in Warren Park.
The state denies the allegations saying they were meant to soil the image of the government.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande Wednesday postponed the matter to May 5 for trial continuation.
This is happening when the UK and Zimbabwe are in negotiations to normalise relations that went sour at the turn of the millennium following the chaotic land reform programme in the Southern African country that displaced many white farmers.
The UK accused the Robert Mugabe-led administration of gross human rights abuses and imposed sanctions on the country adding that the corrective measures will only be lifted when Zimbabwe implements requisite reforms.
The abduction case of the MDC trio is, therefore, of much vitality to both Zimbabwe and the UK who have been following it since day one.
More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>;

UK "Closely Following" MDC Trio's Abduction Case

The trial of MDC Alliance trio, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Joana_Mamombe">Joana Mamombe</a> (Harare West Member of Parliament), <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cecilia_Chimbiri">Cecilia Chimbiri</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Netsai_Marova">Netsai Marova</a>, on allegations of faking its abduction in May last year, commenced yesterday. 
Mamombe, Chimbiri and Marova, who were being represented by lawyers Mr Alec Muchadehama and Mr Jeremiah Bamu, denied the charges when they appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande.
They are charged with publishing falsehoods prejudicial to the State.
Mamombe, Marova and Chimbiri claim that they were abducted from police cells by suspected state security agents following their arrest in May last year at a flash food protest in Warren Park.
They claim that their alleged kidnappers sexually assaulted them and tortured them all the night before dumping them in Bindura where they were found the following morning.
The state refutes the allegations saying the trio faked the abductions with the intention of soiling the image of the state. Authorities have, however, so far not been able to explain how the activists escaped police custody.
The MDC trio is adamant that it did not fake the abduction.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Mrs Bianca Makwande postponed the matter to May 5 for trial continuation.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>; <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/mdc-a-activists-fake-abductions-trial-opens/">The Herald</a>

Trial Of MDC Trio On Faking Abduction Charges Commences

Opposition MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa has escalated the detention of its members to the United Nations in a bid to compel the Zimbabwean government to uphold the rule of law.
MDC Alliance approaches the United Nations after its activist <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/04/06/haruzivishe-sentenced-to-20-months-in-prison/">Makomborero Haruzivishe was sentenced to serve an effective 14 months in prison</a>. We present the party’s statement in full below.
<blockquote>MNANGAGWA MUST IMMEDIATELY RELEASE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS
The MDC Alliance is extremely concerned by the Mnangagwa regime’s penchant to commit crimes against citizens and violate human rights with impunity. We condemn the regime’s intensified clampdown on dissent and its abuse of the courts to punish innocent people. Given his bad record of human rights abuses. Mnangagwa has no capacity or willingness to preside over a competent system that can effectively deliver justice and protect rights hence the increase in: 
1. Administrative and judicial practices where activists are subjected to lengthy, unjust and undue pre-trial detention which is a departure from international standards on arrest, investigation and trial procedures:
2. Unfair trial, conviction and imprisonment of activists and political leaders for their non-violent exercise of internationally recognised human rights;
3. The vague formulation of certain legal provisions which enables them to be applied selectively so as to penalise activists for the non-violent exercise of their human rights; and
4. A departure from the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (The Mandela Rules).
Our concern relates to widespread abuses. However, we highlight certain matters that have particularly brought this injustice to the fore and through which the regime has further entrenched these practices. These matters are those concerning Makomborero Haruzivishe, Cecelia Chimbiri and Joana Mamombe who are currently illegally imprisoned since March 2021 as well as Tinashe Bwanaisa, Rakeshi Marufu, Collin Faison, Tafara Mafunde, Farai Chidziva and Trust Nyamado who are serving five-year jail terms for participating in a protest in January 2019.
While we continue to challenge the court’s partial understanding of the facts, we are aware that the detention of Makomborero Haruzivishe and others is solely on the basis of their political beliefs as well as their non-violent exercise of freedom of thought and conscience and other rights and freedoms guaranteed by the ICCPR thereby making it criminal and undue.
We make an urgent call on
1. International Human Rights Organisations to recognise the status of political prisoner <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Makomborero_Haruzivishe">Makomborero Haruzivishe,</a> Cecilia Chimbiri, Joana Mamombe, Tinashe Bwanaisa, Rakeshi Marufu, Collin Parson, Tufuru Mufunde, Farai Chidziva and Trust Nyamado.
2. The Zimbabwean Government for the Immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience and the nullification of their charges which are clearly punitive measures against their peaceful exercise of their human rights
3. The United Nations to launch a rather urgent, thorough, impartial and effective investigation into the abduction and torture of Cecilia Chimbiri, Joana Mamomhe and Netsai Marova. An outstanding criminal act of injustice which has also become the source of the repeated arbitrary imprisonment and harassment of the three.
<img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EyTUV8hXMAAsTmJ?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/></blockquote>

FULL TEXT: MDC Alliance Escalates Detention Of Members To United Nations

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<div>According to his lawyers, the conviction itself is controversial as it is based on circumstantial evidence. He was convicted of resisting the arrest of a police officer who gave evidence that he was not the one who arrested Mako.</div>
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The court further convicted him of inciting violence because he was at Chicken Inn, First Street on a day vendors had running battles with the police, as they often do when they’re attacked for “illegal vending”. He was not part of the protesting vendors.
With no evidence connecting him to the vendors’ running battles, he was charged with inciting public violence. This is meant to send a chilling effect to our members &amp; to silence dissent. We will pursue multiple strategies to challenge these threats to our democracy. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FreeMako" rel="hashtag noopener" target="_blank">#FreeMako</a>
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<div>Makomborero, a pro-democracy campaigner, was arrested in February and <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mdc-alliance-youth-leader-arrested-for-kidnapping/">charged with kidnapping, participating in a gathering with intent to commit public violence, and breaching peace or bigotry.</a></div>
<div>The state alleges that Makomborero, together with others, forced his way into Impala Motor Spares and detained employees whom they accused of causing the arrest of their colleague Takudzwa Ngadziore last year.</div>
<div>A number of MDC Alliance members including Cecilia Chimbiri and Joana Mamombe were arrested after they had picketed in Harare demanding the release of the former Zimbabwe National Students Union secretary-general.</div>
<div>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/mdczimbabwe/status/1377537349119250432">MDC Alliance</a></div>
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MDC Alliance Speaks As Makomborero Is Convicted

The European Union in ZImbabwe has condemned the continued incarceration of MDC Alliance MP Joana Mamombe and MDC Alliance Activist Cecilia Chimbiri and said the selective application of the law in their case violates their human rights.
This was after High Court Judge, Justice Chitapi denied their bail application appeal stating that there were compelling reasons to deny them bail.
Using Microblogging site Twitter, EU In Zimbabwe said:
<blockquote>Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri have been denied bail again this week. Their continued incarceration violates their rights, and illustrates what human rights defenders have described repeatedly as selective application of the law in <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zimbabwe?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#Zimbabwe</a>. <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EU4HumanRights?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#EU4HumanRights</a></blockquote>
Mamombe and Chimbiri have been in pretrial detention for 3 weeks now after they were arrested for being part of a press conference in Harare. While ZINASU leader Takudzwa Ngadziore was released on $5 000 bail on Saturday.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/euinzim">EU In Zimbabwe</a>

EU Concerned By The Continued Incarceration Of Mamombe And Chimbiri

High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi on Thursday denied bail to MDC-Alliance youth leaders Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri on their latest charges.
Mamombe and Chimbiri are remanded in custody on charges of breaching lockdown regulations by addressing a press conference at the Harare Magistrates Court.
They had appealed to the High Court after a magistrate declined their original application for bail on the grounds that the new charge arose out of their activities while they were on bail.
Justice Chitapi said it was evident that tough bail conditions would not prevent the two from engaging in unlawful conduct. He ruled:
<blockquote>I come to the same conclusion as the magistrate that there are compelling reasons to deny the appellant bail.
Accordingly, my order is that the appeal by both appellants be and it is hereby dismissed.</blockquote>
Commenting on the ruling, MDC Alliance vice president Tendai Biti said they were devastated by the outcome as the two have no prior conviction. He posted on Twitter:
<blockquote>We spend the day in court in solidarity with our girls @JoanaMamombe @ceechimbiri2.We were absolutely devastated by a very convoluted High Court ruling that denied them bail. In the absence of prior conviction wrong to hold that release on bail will cause reoffending #FreeJoanna.</blockquote>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck">
We spend the day in court in solidarity with our girls <a href="https://twitter.com/JoanaMamombe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoanaMamombe</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ceechimbiri2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ceechimbiri2</a>.We were absolutely devastated by a very convoluted High Court ruling that denied them bail. In the absence of prior conviction wrong to hold that release on bail will cause reoffending <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeJoanna?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeJoanna</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZoC5qmMDKi">pic.twitter.com/ZoC5qmMDKi</a>
— TENDAI BITI (@BitiTendai) <a href="https://twitter.com/BitiTendai/status/1375118553695842304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>

High Court Dismisses Mamombe Bail Application

Three MDC Alliance duo, Joana Mamombe, and Cecilia Chimbiri was Thursday denied bail on grounds that it’s likely to commit other offences while on bail.
Mamombe and Chimbiri were arrested at Harare Central Police as they were reporting at the police station as part of their bail conditions when they were detained for allegedly addressing a press conference during a national lockdown.
Their colleague Netsai Marova who is now out on bail was later arrested for allegedly storming a police station demanding answers on why she and Lovemore Madhuku had not been arrested, like her friends, if there was a genuine case since they had addressed the press conference together.
The MDC duo was already on bail for other pending issues including one in which they are accused of having faked their own abduction in May last year.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jameson_Timba">Jameson Zvidzai Timba</a> who is a former Deputy Minister of Media, Information and Publicity said the continued detention of the duo was a sign that the country had a governance crisis. He said:
<blockquote>Our justice system has gone to the dogs.-further deepening the governance crisis.</blockquote>
MDC Alliance legislator for Zengeza West, Job “Wiwa” Sikhala expressed his support for the duo after it was denied bail. He said:
<blockquote>We will remain standing with you against the oppression of (President) Emmerson Mnangagwa. Cecilia Chimbiri and Joana Mamombe have been denied bail and remanded to Chikurubi concentration camp. Their sin, addressing a Press conference in solidarity with Haruzivishe Makomborero. Our cries will not go unnoticed.</blockquote>
While others observed that it was likely that the duo was to commit other crimes, the general consensus was that their arrest was a move to <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/06/12/harare-magistrate-postpones-bail-ruling-for-mdc-alliance-trio-sent-to-chikurubhi/">take away civil liberties such as freedom of speech and freedom of expression.</a>
The state argues that their gathering was in violation of Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 regulations that are meant to curb the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

MDC Duo Denied Bail On Grounds It's Likely To Commit Other Offences

Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri have slapped Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe and police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga with a Z$15 million lawsuit for circulating their nude pictures last year.
Mamombe, the Harare West MP (MDC-A) and Cecilia Chimbiri, an MDC-A youth leader, said they endured embarrassment after their nude pictures went viral on social media platforms.
Mamombe said she suffered damages in the sum of $10 million, comprising $3 million contumelia, and $7 million injuria while Chimbiri is claiming $5 million.
The pictures were reportedly captured by State security agents at Park Town Hospital in Harare, where Mamombe, Chimbiri and another MDC-A youth leader Netsai Marova were admitted.
The trio was receiving treatment following an alleged abduction and torture by suspected State agents.
In their separate applications filed by their lawyers, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Monday, Mamombe and Chimbiri said Chief Superintendent Philip had assured them that the pictures would not be circulated but were shocked to see the photos splashed all over social media. Part of the summons by the ZLHR read:
<blockquote>As such, on the evening of May 15, 2020, the first defendant in the company of Dr Nyamakure arrived in the ward where the plaintiff was receiving medical assistance.
The first defendant identified herself as being from the ZRP Forensic Department and proceeded to take photographs of the plaintiff’s body purportedly as part of the evidence.
Further, she captured pictures of the plaintiff and her colleagues who were hospitalised together with her, namely Netsai Marova and Cecilia Chimbiri.
… This exercise was carried out solely by the first defendant and no other person was granted permission by the plaintiff to do so.</blockquote>
The case is yet to be heard.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/03/police-sued-over-mdc-activists-nude-pictures/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Mamombe, Chimbiri Sue Police Over Leaked Nude Pictures

MDC Activists Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri were arrested this afternoon after they appeared for their routine reporting at Harare Central Police according to the MDC Alliance Vice Chairman Job Sikhala.
Sikhala was using Twitter when he shared the news and said the duo was arrested for addressing a press conference last week in solidarity with Makomborero Haruzivishe who was arrested at gunpoint last month:
<blockquote>At law and Order Harare with <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/JoanaMamombe" role="link">@JoanaMamombe </a><a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/ceechimbiri2" role="link">@ceechimbiri2 </a>and <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/MarovaNetsai" role="link">@MarovaNetsai </a>for their routine reporting conditions. The police have said as soon as we arrived, that Joana and Cecilia are under arrest for addressing the press at the Court on the 25th of Feb in solidarity with Mako.</blockquote>
The duo is still detained by ZRP officers according to Roselyn Hanzi a Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights lawyer:
<blockquote>Breaking: <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-b88u0q r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/JoanaMamombe" role="link">@JoanaMamombe </a>&amp;<a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/ceechimbiri2" role="link">@ceechimbiri </a>are currently detained at Hre Central on allegations of violating <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#COVID19</a> Regs. They had gone to fulfill reporting conditions stipulated in pending cases. It is pertinent to note their arrest is exactly 2 days before <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-poiln3 r-bcqeeo r-1ny4l3l r-1ddef8g r-qvutc0" data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IWD2021?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#IWD2021</a></blockquote>
The duo was arrested last month for reportedly insulting police officers as they were coming from a flash demo staged in Mt Hampden they were released on bail a few days later.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/rose_hanzi/status/1367869712961527809">Roselyn Hanzi</a>

Joana Mamombe, Cecelia Chimbiri Arrested, Again

MDC Alliance trio, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri, and Netsai Marova were among more than 50 activists who staged a protest in Harare demanding the release of their colleague, Haruzivishe Makomborero.
The picketers who were holding placards branded “Free Mako Now” and “Stop Judicial Capture,” staged a flash protest outside the Harare High Court on Thursday.
Makomborero, a pro-democracy campaigner, is <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/21/mdc-alliance-youth-leader-arrested-for-kidnapping/">being charged with kidnapping, participating in a gathering with intent to commit public violence, and breaching peace or bigotry. </a>
Addressing protesters after Makomborero had been denied bail Thursday, Mamombe said:
<blockquote>We are worried that this weaponization of law by the police and growing persecution of activists has a pernicious and gnawing effect on our ‘nascent’ democracy.
Today we send a clear and unequivocal message to this regime. We are not afraid! We will not be neutral in the face of brutality and weaponization of the law. We will not stand aside while our country is turned into a banana republic. Our resolve is unshakeable and our faith in a new Zimbabwe unbreakable.</blockquote>
Makomborero’s lawyers claim the former Zimbabwe National Students Union secretary-general was arrested last week at gunpoint and were probably intending to torture him.
They also claim that the security agents who took Makomborero were forced to drop him off at Harare Central police station after he screamed hysterically.
The state alleges that Makomborero, together with others, forced his way into Impala Motor Spares and detained employees whom they accused of causing the arrest of their colleague Takudzwa Ngadziore last year.
He is denying the charges.
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2021/02/26/mdc-alliance-activists-stage-protest-demanding-makomborero-haruzivishes-release/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZimLive</a>

Mamombe, Colleagues Protest Demanding Makomborero's Release

MDC Alliance’s Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri were granted a $10k bail each when they appeared before Justice Webster Chinamora this Tuesday.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/01/mdc-alliance-duo-mamombe-marova-re-arrested/">The duo was arrested last week</a> after they allegedly staged a flash protest and insulted police officers in Harare.
Justice Webster Chinamora ordered the release of MDC Alliance duo Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri after hearing arguments by lawyers and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The Judge set aside refusal of bail by magistrate Stanford Mambanje.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/zimlive/status/1359100967053111299" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZimLive</a>

MDC-A's Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri Granted Bail

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, James Duddridge has called upon the Zimbabwean government to urgently launch a transparent inquiry into the alleged abduction and torture of MDC Alliance activists by suspected State agents last year.
MDC Alliance youth leaders, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, and a Member of Parliament from the same party, Joanna Mamombe, were reportedly abducted in May last year after staging a flash demonstration in Harare’s Warren Park suburb in protest against the government’s failure to provide a cushion for poor citizens during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Mamombe and Chimbiri were recently arrested again and denied bail for allegedly yelling at members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
In a statement via Twitter, Duddridge bemoaned the lack of progress in investigations into the abduction and torture of the MDC Alliance trio. <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesDuddridge/status/1357638821958025217" rel="noopener" target="_blank">He said:</a>
<blockquote>Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri of the MDC have again been denied bail after their arrest for criticising police in Zimbabwe.
There is still no progress either on the investigation into their allegations of abduction and abuse in May. A transparent inquiry is urgently needed.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, in an op-ed published in South Africa earlier this week, Duddridge said Zimbabwe has to undertake far-reaching political and economic reforms in order to attract foreign capital. He wrote:
<blockquote>UK investors repeatedly tell us that three things prevent them from investing in Zimbabwe: concerns about the poorly managed currency, concerns about the arbitrary property rights, and concerns about the legal system.
These areas can be improved through genuine political and economic reform and with greater investment, the economy can be rebuilt for all Zimbabweans.</blockquote>

UK Minister Demands Urgent Probe Into MDC-A Trio's Abduction & Torture

MDC legislator Joana Mamombe and her co-accused Cecilia Chimbiri have been denied bail by a Harare Magistrate who remanded them in custody till 18 February.
This was revealed by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights which stated that:
<blockquote>
<div class="css-1dbjc4n">
<div class="css-901oao r-1fmj7o5 r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en">Harare West MP Hon. Mamombe &amp; Chimbiri return to Chikurubi Maximum Prison after they were denied bail by Harare Magistrate Mambanje &amp; were remanded in custody to 18 February.</div>
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<div dir="auto" lang="en">The duo was arrested on Monday after a flash demo at the new parliament building. According to ZRP, they insulted police officers and they were arrested for that. The UK has said they are monitoring the detention of the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/03/uk-closely-monitoring-mamombe-chimbiri-detention/">duo because everyone has the right to speak</a> freely.</div>
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<div dir="auto" lang="en">Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1357263295816859650">ZLHR</a></div>

Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri Denied Bail

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:
<blockquote>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.</blockquote>
 
<blockquote><img alt="May be an image of text" class="aligncenter" decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/145412081_2983910058503455_552074781336932996_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&amp;ccb=2&amp;_nc_sid=8bfeb9&amp;_nc_ohc=a7Q6yjPQFvwAX_zJayU&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre2-1.fna&amp;tp=7&amp;oh=63d030175b5310fbd95b4b60355dd2ff&amp;oe=603E3862"/></blockquote>
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.”

Police Speak On Mamombe, Chimbiri, Arrest

MDC Alliance duo, Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri have been arrested after they allegedly followed and shouted <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/02/02/police-speak-on-mamombe-chimbiri-arrest/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">obscenities at a police vehicle. </a>
Mamombe and Chimbiri were initially arrested in May last year together with their colleague, Netsai Marova, following a flash food protest in Warren Park and was charged with flouting lockdown regulations.
They were allegedly kidnapped from police custody by suspected state security agents and were later found dumped in Bindura.
The trio alleged that their kidnappers sexually assaulted them. They were later re-arrested for faking their abduction.
The trio has been in and out of prison since then. Speaking on the recent arrest, MDC Alliance deputy spokesperson Clifford Hlatshwayo said the trio’s arrest was a violation of the constitution. He said:
<blockquote>They are being held at the Harare Central Police Station. ⁦<a class="link-complex" data-user-name="mdczimbabwe" href="https://twitter.com/mdczimbabwe/" rel="noopener user noreferrer" target="_blank">@mdczimbabwe</a>⁩ No to weaponisation and abuse of state institutions.</blockquote>
Mamombe and Chimbiri were arrested this afternoon at their doctor’s offices.
The charges against the MDC Alliance duo were not immediately revealed prompting their lawyers to say the arrest was a violation of the constitution which states that the arresting part should reveal the charges immediately.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/zimlive/status/1356227312702910465" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZimLive</a>

MDC Alliance Duo: Mamombe, Marova Re-Arrested

The year 2020 saw Zimbabwe recording a number of alleged kidnappings by suspected state security agents. These reports, for many, signified a shrinking democratic space. Government authorities, however, deny the allegations. As the year is coming to an end, we have compiled a list of the alleged abduction cases some of which are still pending at the courts of law.
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/3-mdc-leaders-feared-abducted-following-warren-park-protest/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MDC Alliance Tio – Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova</a></li>
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The trio claims that after being arrested at a flash food protest in Warren Park in May, they were locked in police cells where suspected security agents kidnapped them. They were later found dumped in Bindura and they claimed their alleged abductors tortured them and also sexually assaulted them. The three were arrested for staging their abduction with authorities claiming the activists’ alleged abduction was premised at putting the government’ name into disrepute.
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<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/high-court-orders-police-to-release-abducted-zimlive-editors-nephew-within-72-hours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tawanda Muchehiwa (Journalism student)</a></li>
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He is the nephew of ZimLive editor, Mduduzi Mathuthu. Muchehiwa was allegedly abducted from home by suspected state security agents, tortured and dumped three days later. He was immediately arrested for obstruction of justice with the state saying he was not forthcoming as far as revealing the whereabouts of Mduduzi Mthuthu is concerned. Mathuthu allegedly incited the public to participate in the foiled 31 July anti-corruption protests jeopardising the “prevailing peace and security.” Speaking to SkyNews after the abduction, Muchehiwa said <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/some-days-im-fine-some-days-im-breaking-down-muchehiwa-on-life-after-the-abduction/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">he was still yet to get past the abduction incident.</a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/abducted-mdc-alliance-hurungwe-councillor-found-dead-near-his-home-today/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lavender Chiwaya (MDC Alliance Hurungwe Ward 4 Councillor )</a></li>
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Chiwaya was found near his home in Hurungwe following reports that he had been abducted by suspected state security agents. Chiwaya’s party said Chiwaya, whose body was found naked 4 houses away from his home was being hunted by state agents and they have accused state agents of killing him. Police said Chiwaya could have died from alcohol (bronco) abuse.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/abducted-activists-narrate-frightening-tales-of-torture-at-the-hands-of-captors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MDC Alliance Bulawayo activists</a></li>
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The activists said they were exposed to horrendous torture, which among other diabolic acts included being immersed in a pool of water and being electrocuted by suspected State agents allegedly for planning the foiled 31 July protests. The alleged abductors also took US$50 from the house of Takunda Madzana (MDC Alliance youth secretary for cadre-ship development). MDC Alliance spokesperson in Bulawayo, Swithren Chirowodza named Madzana, Otillia Sibanda (a former party official), Nyasha Masundire (a youth chairman) and Michael Mubasa (a senior MDC Alliance official) as the victims of the alleged victim. They were later dumped.
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<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/update-wife-of-abducted-mdc-a-activist-appears-before-courts-for-reporting-the-absence-of-her-husband/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tamuka Dendere</a></li>
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MDC Alliance initially reported about his disappearance saying he had been abducted by state security agents. He was dumped by alleged abductors at Harare Central Police Station. <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/zrp-in-gweru-arrests-the-wife-of-an-abducted-mdc-alliance-activist-for-coming-to-report-the-abduction-report/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">His wife was arrested</a> upon arriving at Gweru police station to report that her husband was missing.
<ul>
<li lang="en">Noxolo Maphosa</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/watch-niece-to-political-activist-abducted-later-dumped-after-being-tortured-and-sexually-assaulted/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Noxolo Maphosa</a> is a niece to Josphat Mzaca Ngulube, a former director in the ministry of sports and recreation for Bulawayo province and Political activist. Reports suggest that she had been abducted by suspected state security agents only to be dumped later in the day outside her home after she was tortured and sexually assaulted in Bulawayo.
<ul>
<li lang="en"><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/3-mdc-alliance-youths-abducted-by-suspected-state-agents/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3 MDC Alliance Youths</a></li>
</ul>
Three members of its youth league assembly were allegedly kidnapped from their homes by suspected state agents. The trio, Emmanuel Mukwemu, Petronella Mapaire &amp; Trynos Hove was dumped at Harare Central Police Station in the morning after spending the night in the hands of alleged abductors.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mdca-councillors-wife-and-child-abducted-beaten-dumped-by-unknown-assailants/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Denford Ngadziore (MDC Alliance Councillor’s wife and child)</a></li>
</ul>
His wife and his six-month-old baby were reportedly abducted by suspected state agents who were driving a car without number plates. MDCA said Ngadziore’ wife and baby, as well as Allan Moyo and Snaga Lameck, were kidnapped from Ngadziore’s home in Mabelreign. They were allegedly beaten and then dumped in Dzivarasekwa.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/chitungwiza-man-narrates-his-nocturnal-abduction-and-torture-by-5-armed-men/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nickson Mpofu</a></li>
</ul>
He was allegedly abducted by suspected State security agents after he had posted on social media exposing corruption by some government officials in choots with Impala Car Rentals. He had said some ministers rented their vehicles to the company and wouldinfluence the minitries they lead to hire those cars instead of cars from CMED a government department. He was abducted and tortured and dumped around 3 am.
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List Of Alleged Abductions In Zimbabwe In 2020

Bail conditions for MDC Alliance trio, Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Marova and Netsai Marova have been relaxed.
This happened when they appeared before High Court Judge Justice Mushore this Wednesday.
Justice Mushore reviewed the conditions saying the trio will now be reporting once per week to the police. They were initially reporting 3 times a week.
Posting on Twitter, Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights who were representing the three activists said:
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We have lessened the burden on 3 opposition youth leaders whose life was inconvenienced through imposition of onerous bail reporting conditions of reporting 3 times/week <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="PoliceZimbabwe" href="https://twitter.com/PoliceZimbabwe/" rel="noopener user noreferrer" target="_blank">@PoliceZimbabwe</a>. The trio is reporting once/week after we asked High Court to relax these arduous conditions.
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<div class="thread">Justice Mushore relaxed the bail reporting conditions after <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="bamujm" href="https://twitter.com/bamujm/" rel="noopener user noreferrer" target="_blank">@bamujm</a> &amp; <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="PaidaSaurombe" href="https://twitter.com/PaidaSaurombe/" rel="noopener user noreferrer" target="_blank">@PaidaSaurombe</a> of <a class="link-complex" data-user-name="ZLHRLawyers" href="https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/" rel="noopener user noreferrer" target="_blank">@ZLHRLawyers</a> asked the court to alter these taxing conditions which were keeping the trio at police stations. The 3 were arrested in June &amp; charged with publishing or communicating falsehoods.</div>
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The state accuses the trio of stage-managing its own abduction, adding that they lied about being tortured and being held incommunicado in May, a charge which they deny.
The three were arrested at a flash food protest in Warren Park in May for violating COVID-19-induced lockdown regulations and were put in police custody.
They claim that suspected state agents abducted them from police custody, tortured and dumped them in Bindura, about 86 km from Harare.
Government officials including the Minister of Home Affairs, Kazembe Kazembe say the trio faked the abduction to soil the image of the ZANU PF government.
More: <a href="https://twitter.com/ZLHRLawyers/status/1339126217551859713" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZLHR Twitter</a>

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