Statement on the Continued Detention of Chin’ono, Ngarivhume, and Kurauone
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association notes with concern the inordinate delay in coming up with the determination of bail for Transform Zimbabwe President Jacob Ngarivhume, Journalists Hopewell Chin’ono and denial of bail for Masvingo Urban Ward 4 councilor Godfrey Kurauone.
The High Court on Monday postponed bail determination ruling for Ngarivhume and Chin’ono to the 6th of August. Bail Application is a fundamental right as enshrined in section 49 of the constitution that states every person has a right to liberty. Section 49 (1)(b) states that the right to liberty includes not to be deprived of their liberty arbitrarily or without just cause. Section 50 Rights of the arrested and detained persons (1)(d) states that they must be released unconditionally or on reasonable conditions, pending a charge or trial, unless there are compelling reasons justifying further detention.
Chin’ono and Ngarivhume were arrested on July 20 at their homes on charges of inciting public violence while Kurauone was arrested on July 31 for allegedly singing a protest song denouncing President Emmerson Mnangagwa
ZimRights, therefore calls on Zimbabwe and the criminal justice system to guarantee Zimbabweans the right of personal liberty by ensuring that bail is given in reasonable periods.
