HARARE – Jacob Ngarivhume, the organiser of the July 31 anti-government protests, will learn on Friday if his latest freedom bid has been successful after a court reserved its ruling on Monday.
Ngarivhume made a fresh bail application before Harare magistrate Trynos Utahwashe, arguing changed circumstances from the first time he was denied bail following his arrest on July 20.
He is accused of mobilising the public to commit violence during demonstrations which were planned for July 31, but were thwarted by a heavy deployment of security forces.
“The passing of July 31 constitutes changed circumstances as he was denied bail due to the potentiality of demonstrations on the day, which has come and gone,” said his lawyer Moses Nkomo.
Nkomo told the court that where there were demonstrations, they were not violent and were held in compliance with Covid-19 regulations on social distancing.
Nkomo said those who participated in the demonstrations have since been freed on bail, which means that Ngarivhume is also eligible.
Nkomo also submitted that if granted bail, Ngarivhume is ready to pay Z$5,000 bail, continue residing at a given address and report to the police every Friday.
State prosecutor Michael Reza opposed bail, arguing there were no changes circumstances.
“What has happened is that July 31 has now migrated into a movement which is perpetual. This is no longer about a date,” said Reza.
“The primary objective of the movement is ensure President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa does not live out his ambitions to be a president,” he added.
Reza said if it was about legitimate politics, Ngarivhume and his followers would have waited for the 2023 elections.
Nkomo says the politician is having a difficult time at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison where authorities are defying a court order that he be allowed social visits and food from home.
Ngarivhume is detained with journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who is also facing similar charges. Chin’ono’s bail application is ongoing.
