FIVE incarcerated University of Zimbabwe (UZ) students who were arrested for allegedly defacing and spray painting government buildings have been denied bail.
The five are Darlington Chingwena, Benjamin Watadza, Emmanuel Sitima, Comfort Mpofu and Lionel Madamombe and members of Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU).
The five have spent more than 20 days behind bars.
On May 14, 2023, the five, together with others who are still at large, allegedly went around protesting for the release of opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmaker Job Sikhala from pre-trial custody.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) deputy leader Tendai Biti condemned their bail denial saying it was weaponization of the law.
“News that the detained University of Zimbabwe students have been denied bail is sad and regrettable.
“Bail is a constitutional right which should only be denied in the most extreme of all circumstances. We therefore stand opposed to the weaponisation of the law.
“Law must remain autonomous,” Biti said.
The students are facing seven counts of malicious damage to property, and are alternatively being charged with counts of criminal nuisance.
The State alleges the five defaced seven city buildings: the Parliament of Zimbabwe, High Court of Zimbabwe, Trinity Methodist of Zimbabwe, Constitutional Court, Commercial Court, Harare Civil Magistrates Court, Karigamombe building and Runhare Building.
All the mentioned structures are located within the Harare CBD.
It is alleged that the students spray painted the words “Free Wiwa”, “Free Job Sikhala”.
Meanwhile Sikhala is still behind bars after he was arrested on the June 14 last year for allegedly inciting violence to avenge the death of slain CCC activist Moreblessing Ali.
