Back to Index

Magistrate refuses to drop criminal nuisance charges
Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA)
March 06, 2012

Magistrate Vivian Ndlovu ruled that Williams and 9 other members charged with Criminal Nuisance must face trial and remanded them to 23 March 2012. The Magistrate surprisingly did not address key issues in the application covering right to query placement on remand and the fact that the charges have constitutional implications and are in direct contravention of a landmark Supreme court ruling.

This ruling follows an application by the defense for refusal of further remand. She also ordered a Court visit to Bulawayo central police station for an investigation into the complaints leveled against the police by the activists.

The activists have briefed Defense lawyer and Zimbabwe Lawyer for Human Rights chief legal officer, Lizwe Jamela to prepare an application to the Supreme Court questioning the basis for these charges which are in violation of the Supreme Court ruling obtained for a 2008 arrest by WOZA leaders Williams and Mahlangu.

Meanwhile the High Court has set down for 15 March 2012 an urgent application for stay of trial proceedings in the case kidnap and theft charges faced by Williams and Mahlangu. The Defense team must seek a further postponement of the Trial proceedings which were due to recommence on 12 March 2012.

Visit the WOZA fact sheet

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP