HARARE – Magistrate Ruth Moyo has denied bail to human rights activists Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, and Samuel Gwenzi, citing concerns that they may flee or reoffend by joining forces with others who are allegedly still evading arrest.
The trio was arrested on July 31 for allegedly participating in a protest against the arrest of opposition leader Jameson Timba and 78 other activists.
Kwekweza and Chere were pulled out of the plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport during their arrest.
Timba and his colleagues are currently being detained for allegedly holding an “unsanctioned” political gathering at the home of the former cabinet Minister in Avondale, Harare.
They are currently on trial.
The arrest of opposition activists is linked to the Southern African Development (SADC) summit set to be held in Harare on Saturday.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is allegedly afraid of being embarrassed during the summit by potential public protests.
As a result, more than 100 activists, including sick women and a one year old child, have been arrested and slapped with trumped-up charges.
Local and international human rights groups have since called Mnangagwa to order.
The United Nations human rights office on Thursday called on Zimbabwe to immediately release over 100 pro-democracy activists who were arrested ahead of the summit.
“We are concerned by reports of arrests, harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and political activists in the lead up to the SADC summit,” the UN Human Rights Commission said in a statement.
As Zimbabwe prepares to take over the rotating chairmanship of the SADC from Angola, the capital city of Harare has been abuzz with activity.
In anticipation of the summit, which kicked off with smaller ministerial meetings on August 7, the government has been scrambling to upgrade hotel facilities and give the city’s roads a facelift.
The arrest of political activists has also been witnessed.
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