HARARE – Forty Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists who include party aspiring legislator for Glenview South, Gladmore Hakata were Thursday remanded in custody after they were placed on remand for allegedly holding an illegal car rally procession Tuesday.

The opposition activists were charged with disorderly conduct and violating provisions of the Maintenance of Order and Peace Act.

Hakata and colleagues told Harare magistrate Learnmore Mapiye that they were mistreated by police during the time they were detained at Glenview 1 police station.

The activists were represented by Harare lawyer Kudzai Kadzere who applied for their immediate release arguing that his clients’ rights were abused.

“They were not given food. The cells they were detained in had no toilets and they were not given to date. They have not bathed, and they haven’t eaten anything yet today,” Kadzere told court.

The magistrate however dismissed the application saying the opposition activists could pursue other remedies if they felt violated.

According to the state, on August 15, 2023, at Machipisa Shopping Centre, Highfield, Harare, Hakata mobilised CCC supporters to take part in a car rally procession at the shopping centre.

“The accused and his followers, whilst singing, chanting slogans and blowing car horns, moved from Machipisa Shopping Centre, Highfield, Harare into Highfield Main Street enroute to Lusaka shopping centre.

“The police received information about the march and intercepted the procession at Burembo Road just before Machipisa bus terminus,” said Tafara Chirambira while appearing for the state.

Chirambira said police asked Hakata about the notification letter or response of notification of intention to hold a procession from the regulating authority for Harare South and he failed to produce it.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with failure to give notice to hold the procession.

“Accused had no lawful excuse to act in the manner he did,” he said.

Their second count relates to being riotous.

Said the state, “The police engaged the accused persons and ordered them to desist from their actions and to disperse as the procession was not sanctioned.

“Instead, the accused became disorderly, riotous and also shouted at the police.”

Alfred Murembwa and Abisha Madzvimbo were arrested at the scene while others dispersed.

They allegedly later regrouped and were arrested in Glenview as they continued with the procession.