The bail appeal hearing for human rights defenders Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, and Samuel Gwenzi has been postponed to September 4, further prolonging their detention.
The delay is due to the State’s failure to prepare the necessary record of proceedings from the Magistrate Court, which previously denied them bail.
High Court judge Lucy Mungwari expressed dissatisfaction with the State’s lack of preparation, ordering them to “put their house in order” before the hearing can proceed.
The three defenders were arrested on July 31 for allegedly staging a protest at the Harare Magistrates Court, demanding the release of jailed opposition leader Jameson Timba and other activists.
They face charges of disorderly conduct and were denied bail due to concerns of reoffending.
Zimbabwean authorities have arrested over 160 opposition politicians, activists, and union leaders since mid-June, according to human rights groups. A few weeks ago, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International stated that they discovered evidence of torture and feel that the arrests set a dangerous precedent for Sadc’s commitment to human rights under Mr Mnangagwa’s leadership.
