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The maiden of justice stripped
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) NTCC
July 11, 2012

In an unexpected, mind boggling and perplexing result, 6 student leaders including Zinasu President Pride Mkono, Secretary General Tryvine Musokeri, Jorum Chikwadze, Francis Mufambi and two others the afore-mentioned's application for discharge was dismissed without the magistrate furnishing legal counsel with reasons for this decision. The afore-mentioned leaders are being charged with disorderly conduct. The charges were preferred on the student leaders after the above-mentioned celebrated following deliverance of judgement in the Gwisai case in March.

Asked to comment after the proceedings at court the Zinasu President maintained that 'the whims and caprices of politicians are manifesting themselves in a manner intended to strip naked the pure maiden of justice.' This he said in apparent reference to the fact that the state's case which led to denial of discharge was frivolous and vexatious.
Speaking to the Zinasu Information Department the Secretary General Tryvine Musokeri said 'I think that there is a hidden hand in this case, some people are using the celebrations we held after Gwisai's trial as a means to settle political scores. I believe what happened today was a travesty of justice.'

The Zinasu Information department also managed to catch up with Tinashe Mutimbanyoka, a prominent student activist after court proceedings. 'I can't believe this is happening at a time when there is an inclusive government' said a visibly disappointed Mutimbanyoka. He added that, 'students should remain strong and steadfast, this should actually strengthen our resolve towards democracy and social justice.'

Francis Mufambi told the Zinasu Information Department that the denial of their application for discharge 'is a ploy by the state to frustrate progressive student leaders and also to massage the interests of the political principals, however, the struggle will continue.' James Katso maintained that he couldn't believe that students could be persecuted for attending court. 'We are now afraid of attending courts or showing solidarity with our fellow comrades since it can lead to persecution and prosecution' said Katso.

The student leaders were instructed by the magistrate to appear in court on 18 July.

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