Nicole Chabata Granted US$50 Bail
Nicole Chabata, a Form Four student arrested alongside more than 70 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists in June, was granted bail by Harare magistrate Collet Ncube on Monday, 16 September.
She was among 78 CCC supporters arrested on 16 June 2024 for allegedly participating in an unsanctioned gathering.
The prosecution did not oppose bail, citing that she had recently turned 18. Ruled the magistrate:
Upon considering that there was no opposition for application for accused number 17 (Chabata), its by consent.
Chabata’s lawyer Webster Jiti of Jiti Law Chambers argued that her education had suffered due to her prolonged detention. He said:
The consent came late, and it is on record that she is a student. We welcome the concession for all accused persons to be granted bail.
Chabata, who registered for 10 subjects for the upcoming Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) exams starting next month, has been detained at Chikurubi Female Prison since her arrest.
The CCC activists were apprehended during a police raid at the Avondale home of former CCC senator Jameson Timba.
The group had gathered to celebrate the Day of the African Child, observed internationally on June 16.
As part of her bail conditions, Chabata must pay US$50, reside at a specified address, and report to Epworth Police Station on the last Friday of each month.
More: Pindula News
