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Weekly case tracker: 7-11May 2012
Students Solidarity Trust
May 11, 2012

Three ZINASU Activists Released

Three ZINASU activists Joram Chikwadze, Farai Moyo and Tryvine Musokeri were released Monday the 7th of May. The activists were arrested on the 4th of May and spent their weekend in custody at Chinhoyi Central Police Station. They are facing charges of inciting public violence emanating from addressing Chinhoyi University Students during the Chinhoyi University of Technology's SRC election.

Six ZINASU Activists' trial date set

Four ZINASU activists Pride Mkono, Tinashe Mtyaso, Tinashe Chisaira and Francis Mufambi appeared before Harare Magistrate Mr Donald Ndirowei on the 7th of May, facing charges of Disorderly Conduct in a public place as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Tryvine Musokeri and Joram Chikwadze, the other two were absent as they had been arrested in Chinhoyi and were issued with warrants of arrest

It is the state's case as led by Prosecutor Mr Nyikadzino Machingura that on March 21 this year, the six together with about 30 other accomplices who are still at large gathered outside the Magistrates' court in solidarity with Welcome Zimuto, Antoneta Choto, Munyaradzi Gwisai, Edson Chakuma, Hopewell Gumbo and Tatenda Mombeyarara whose sentence was to be handed down that day. It is alleged the Zinasu activists were singing obscene songs and chanting slogans.

It is the State's case that they also threw fliers inscribed, "Freedom for Zimuto, Choto, Gwisai, Chakuma, Mombeyarara and Gumbo. The continued persecution of these innocent comrades has now become intolerable. The incrimination of basic freedoms of assembly and the right to hold opinion of choice is regrettable and should not be allowed anymore. The sons and daughters of Zimbabwe deserve their freedom, freedom now, freedom in our lifetime".

Four Great Zimbabwe University Students Trial Concludes

Four Great Zimbabwe University students appeared before a Masvingo Magistrate on the 7th of May. The Four, July Musengi, Tapiwa Gwara, Tapiwa Madyira and Effeso Munaro are facing charges of public violence under section 36 of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act [Chapter 9:23], emanating from challenging the authorities after they had been ordered to defer their studies upon late payment of fees. The case will continue on the 15th of May when judgement is expected.

Chinhoyi Students Appear In Court:

Three student activists, Luke Maenzanise, Benon Mutema and Munyaradzi Makunike appeared before a Chinhoyi Magistrate on the 7th of May. The three are facing charges of public violence stemming from their questioning the authorities about the increase of food prices in the dining halls. They were arrested on the 15th of March 2012 alongside six other students who have since been released. The case has been postponed to the 14th of May.

Six Masvingo Activists Released

Six Masvingo activists Maxwell Hlongwani, Brian Chimwayi, Christopher Mutema, Amos Mutema, Terrance Moyo and Tatenda Dziva were arrested on the 8th of May and kept at Masvingo Central Police Station for three nights an were released today the 11th of May 2012. The Six are facing charges of public violence after protesting against the suspension of SRC Elections that were supposed to be held last semester. They are also protesting against students who were made to defer because they had failed to clear their fee arrears. Their trial will commence on the 22nd of May.

ZINASU Activist Trial Concludes

A ZINASU Student activist appeared before a Harare magistrate on the 9th of May. The Activist Pride Mkono is facing charges of public violence emanating from the disturbances that rocked the UZ Student Executive Council election. The case will continue on the 23rd of May where a ruling is expected.

Students Score Significant Victory

Five University of Zimbabwe students were yesterday granted an interim order lifting an indefinite suspension issued to them by the University of Zimbabwe. The five, Tinashe Chisaira (student representative council (SRC) vice president), Kokerai Murombo (SRC Treasurer), James Katso, Zechariah Mushawatu and Gilbert Sibanda appeared before Justice Mutema at the Harare High Court yesterday the 10th of May 2011. The five were indefinitely suspended by the University of Zimbabwe on the 4th of April.

In his interim order reinstating the students, Justice Mutema ordered that the Students be now allowed to access lectures, tutorials, library facilities as well as sitting for examinations.

The University of Zimbabwe is charging them with deformation of character. Their charge and suspension emanate from the students alleged misuse of a photo they were taken with the university's Vice Chancellor Professor Levi Nyagura on the 24th of March. The students used the photo in a campaign newsletter on campus which was posted on face book and other social networks.

Despite the fact that the students' hearing has not yet been concluded due to the University failing to get Professor Nyagura to come and testify, the students had already been convicted by being unfairly suspended before the logical conclusion of their case.

The Students Solidarity Trust urges the University authorities to respect the judgment and allow the students to complete their education. The Trust also urges the disciplinary panel to work diligently to conclude the case.

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