Teen, mental patient among 79 CCC activists arrested at Timba’s home

By Staff Reporter

A mentally challenged man and a 17-year-old juvenile are among 79 CCC activists who were seized during a police raid at former legislator Jameson Timba’s Harare home on Sunday.

Timba and the activists appeared in court on Tuesday charged with participating in a gathering with the intent to promote violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as well as disorderly conduct.

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Police allege on the 16 June 2024, at around 2PM, they were alerted of an unsanctioned gathering at Timba’s home in Avondale, Harare.

“The unsanctioned gathering was for the purposes of an unlawful demonstration,” prosecutors said, according to a Tuesday statement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

“The police proceeded to the residence to investigate. When the police officers enquired about the purpose of the gathering the accused persons became hostile and riotous.

“They threw stones at the police and their vehicle. The police officers had to call for reinforcements.

“The accused persons were only arrested after the police resorted to tear smoke. Two police officers were injured and the police vehicle was also damaged.”

Added NPA, “One of the accused persons is a minor aged 17. He was remanded into the custody of his guardian while another who showed signs of being mentally challenged was dealt with in terms of section 26 of the Mental Health Act and will be in custody pending an examination by two doctors.”

When they appeared in court Tuesday, the activists challenged their initial remand on the basis that they had been over detained by the police.

The State opposed the application and their ruling is set for Wednesday.