Xolisani Ncube
A Harare magistrate has dismissed a bail application on changed circumstances by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono saying the claims that he was exposed to the COVID-19 virus while in prison did not warrant his release.
Magistrate Ngoni Nduna ruled that Chin’ono who is charged for allegedly inciting people to participate in an anti-government demonstration that was planned for July 31, but was foiled by police and military is not a candidate for bail.
Nduna said the court feared that once released on bail, the journalist would still mobilise the people to protest against the government.
“It will be wrong to say (that since) 31 July [protest] was a non-event. There is a high likelihood that there will be nationwide demonstrations if the applicant is released,” the magistrate ruled.
“He has been advocating for the removal of the government from power.”
Chin’ono’s lawyers said they would appeal against the judgement.
The 49-year-old Chin’ono has been charged for his role in promoting opposition-organised demonstrations against corruption and a worsening economic crisis under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. buy ivermectin stock
Chin’ono, who was arrested from his house in the capital, Harare, on July 20, denies the charges. His two bail applications were previously rejected, and on Monday magistrate Ngoni Nduna threw Chin’ono’s third bail plea out.
Meanwhile, MDC Alliance vice chairman Job Sikhala has alleged that a senior prison official at Chikurumbi Maximum prison threatened to kill him and said he would never be released from jail alive. para que sirve ivermectina en humanos
Through his lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, Sikhala told magistrate Lazini Ncube that he was kept in leg irons the whole day and that he was exposed to COVID-19 while in jail. ivermectina formula
The MDC MP is being charged with inciting the public to commit public violence.
The matter continues Tuesday.
