Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Binga North legislator, Prince Dubeko-Sibanda, has been remanded in custody following his appearance before Harare Magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. Sibanda faces charges of incitement to commit public violence, with a bail ruling scheduled for this Friday.
The State accuses Sibanda of inciting violence through social media posts and WhatsApp groups associated with the CCC. Between August 1, 2024, and August 16, 2024, he allegedly used his social media platforms, including his X handle (@Dubeko Sibanda), to encourage CCC members to engage in violent actions. The posts reportedly included calls to barricade roads, burn tires, and destroy property, specifically targeting Harare.
The State claims that Sibanda’s messages urged followers to take drastic actions unless the Southern African Development Community (SADC) provided a platform for dialogue concerning the SEOM report and other issues. The inflammatory posts included:
– “Unless the SADC creates a platform where the head of state will engage Zimbabweans on the SEOM report & other issues, we will create a platform to meet with them in the streets of Harare. No intimidation will stop us. Let’s shut down Harare in August.”
– “Let’s barricade the streets in Harare. Let’s burn tires and use old cars.”
According to the State, these messages prompted violent incidents, including the barricading of Highglen Road and the burning of tires on August 16, 2024. The disruption reportedly occurred at Mukonono River Bridge and Marimba, severely affecting traffic and public safety.
Sibanda was apprehended on August 17, 2024, by a team of detectives from CID Beitbridge at the Beitbridge Border Post. Anesu Chirenje, representing the National Prosecuting Authority, asserted that Sibanda’s actions were unlawful. Sibanda is being represented by lawyer Alec Muchadehama. The bail hearing set for Friday will determine whether he will be granted release or remain in custody pending further proceedings.
In other news – Bail denied once more for Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu
Businessmen Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu have faced a significant legal setback as their appeal for bail was denied by the High Court. Justice Pisirayi Kwenda ruled against the pair’s request to be released pending their trial, which concerns allegations of misappropriating US$7 million from the Presidential Goats Scheme.
The court’s decision came after reviewing the case documents and hearing arguments from both sides. Justice Kwenda upheld the State’s objection to the bail appeal, resulting in the dismissal of Chimombe and Mpofu’s request. Read More
