Dzamara, co-accused fail to raise reduced bail
By Tarisai Machakaire
Five activists, including Itai Dzamara’s brother Patson, who were arrested for alleged robbery while occupying Africa Unity Square, remained in remand prison yesterday even after their bail quantum had been slashed from $1 000 to $400.
The five activists are failing to raise the required bail funds.
Dzamara was jointly charged with Oliver Chikumba, 32, Tatenda Mombeyarara, 33, Pride Mkono, 26, and Makomborero Haruzivishe, 33, on two counts of robbery and defeating the course of justice.
They appeared in court yesterday represented by Trust Maanda who won an application to have the bail quantum slashed.
“The fifth accused person is a student at the University of Zimbabwe in his final year, Dzamara looks after his ill mother, and the fourth accused person is a single parent with five children and unemployed,” he said.
“The accused persons have not been able to pay bail because of the huge quantum…If the court may reduce the bail from $1 000 to $30 and $100 respectively.”
Presiding magistrate Tendai Mahwe reduced the bail amount from $1 000 each to $400.
According to State papers on June 9 around midnight the two complainants disembarked from a commuter omnibus at Fourth Street Bus Terminus.
They passed through Africa Unity Square on their way to Copacabana Bus Terminus to get transport to Mufakose.
Dzamara and his accomplices then allegedly confronted the complainants and snatched their handbags before searching them
They allegedly stole the three ladies school uniforms, red jersey, pair of trousers, jean skirt and wallet with $30.
The other complainant lost three school jerseys and one floral dress, the court heard.
When the complainants screamed for help, three police officers who were on duty near Parliament rushed to the scene
The accused persons allegedly resisted arrest and reportedly took away constable Nhidza’s cap and baton stick while dragging him to a silver Honda Fit along Jaison Moyo Avenue, the State claims
Dzamara and his accomplices were later arrested and police claim they recovered the stolen property valued $80.
The activists reject the charges as trumped up. Daily News
