Chimanimani Chief Timothy Munorowazve Muusha has reversed his controversial decision to fine two Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists three goats.
This fine was imposed on them for allegedly defying a local headman’s directive to vote for the ruling party Zanu-PF during the August 23 harmonized elections.
During a traditional court session held on Saturday, the Chief also dropped the “charges” against another CCC activist, Isaah Mapunga, who was accused of campaigning for the opposition party during the period leading up to the elections.
The Chief’s decision to dismiss the cases comes after the publication of a story and the intervention of lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
Solomon Tambwera, one of the CCC activists who was fined three goats, welcomed the development but mentioned that it was not worth celebrating because they had not committed any offense in the first place.
He stated that they were being victimized for supporting CCC and that the incident had actually strengthened their resolve.
The CCC activist noted that the Chief did not provide reasons for withdrawing the charges but instructed his secretaries not to entertain any political-related cases in the future.
Tambwera expressed gratitude to NewZimbabwe.com and ZLHR for highlighting their situation and representing them. He emphasized the importance of exposing such injustices, stating that many citizens’ rights are being violated daily in rural areas.
Source Bulawayo24