Three civic society activists are set to appear in court tomorrow, for commencement of their trial on charges of contravening the Protected Places and Areas Act.
By Crisis In Zimbabwe Coalition
The three, Edgar Gweshe (CiZC), Donald Makuvaza (Chitungwiza Residents Trust), Charles Chidakwa (Occupy Africa Unity Square (OAUS) are facing charges of contravening Section 5 (2) of the Protected Places and Areas Act Chapter 11:12.
Gweshe, Makuvaza and Chidhakwa were arrested on July 24 at the Harare Remand Prison for allegedly taking pictures outside the detention centre.
The trio was part of a group of more than 50 activists who had gone to visit detained vendors under the banner of the National Vendors Union of Zimbabwe (NAVUZ).
Prison officers alleged that they were taking pictures outside the remand prison in defiance of an order from officials.
The trio however refuted the state allegations when they first appeared in court.
They were granted $50 bail each by the Harare Magistrates Court on July 25.
Three other activists, Mfundo Mlilo, Dirk Frey and Nixon Nyikadzino were arrested on July 25 at the Harare Magistrates Court were they had gone to attend the court hearing of Gweshe, Makuvaza and Chidhakwa.
Their arrest came following orders from a top prison officer, Renias Chiwakaya.
The three were however acquitted when they appeared before Magistrate Elijah Makomo.
The trial of Gweshe, Makuvaza and Chidhakwa starts at 08.30 hours in Court 5 at the Harare Magistrates Court.
