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Jacob Ngarivhume, a prominent Zimbabwean opposition politician, was granted US$100 bail by the Harare High Court on Wednesday, October 23, after spending 82 days in pre-trial detention.
Justice Emilia Muchawa ordered Ngarivhume’s release. She ordered him to surrender his passport and refrain from posting on the social media platform X.
The Transform Zimbabwe leader is accused of disorderly conduct in a public place and participating in an illegal gathering with intent to promote public violence, crimes he allegedly committed in June this year.
He was represented by Godfrey Mupanga of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).
Ngarivhume was among numerous political activists arrested as the government intensified its crackdown on dissent, seemingly to prevent potential protests that could disrupt the 44th SADC Summit on August 17 in Harare.
Earlier, Ngarivhume and another opposition figure, Job Sikhala, had declared their readiness to lead citizen protests against high-level corruption, the plunder of natural resources, and poor governance under the ZANU PF-led government.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Jacob Ngarivhume, an opposition politician in Zimbabwe, was released on bail after 82 days in jail. He was ordered to give up his passport and not post on social media. He is accused of causing disorder and joining an illegal gathering that could lead to public violence. The government arrested him and other activists to stop protests during a big meeting. Ngarivhume wanted to protest against corruption and bad governance in the country. He was helped by a group of lawyers.

Jacob Ngarivhume Granted Bail After 82 Days In Detention

Jacob Ngarivhume, the leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) party, and his co-accused Kelvin Gonde have been denied bail by Harare magistrate Farai Gwatima.
The two are jointly charged with participating in an unlawful gathering and also face an additional charge of disorderly conduct.
In denying the bail application, Magistrate Gwatima argued that Ngarivhume and Gonde were likely to abscond given the serious nature of the offences they are facing.
The magistrate stated that the state had successfully demonstrated “compelling reasons warranting the continued detention of the two awaiting trial.”
Ngarivhume and Gonde are said to have been among a group of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists who were arrested at the Harare home of Jameson Timba, the interim Chief Administrator of the opposition party, on June 16 this year.
They are alleged to have participated in an unlawful gathering.
According to the investigating officer, Victor Mukohwa, Ngarivhume and Gonde were positively identified as attacking the police officers who had intended to arrest the activists.
The state has lined up 30 police officers to testify against the two opposition leaders.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of the opposition party, and his friend Kelvin Gonde were not allowed to leave jail by a judge in Harare. They are accused of joining a meeting illegally and causing trouble. The judge thinks they might run away since the crimes are serious. The state says there are good reasons to keep them in jail until the trial. They were part of a group that got arrested at a politician's house in June. Witnesses say they attacked police officers. More police officers will talk about the case in court.

Jacob Ngarivhume Denied Bail

Zimbabwean opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume’s application challenging his placement on remand has been dismissed by a Harare magistrate.
According to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200030640/ngarivhume-loses-placement-on-remand-challenge">NewsDay</a>, Harare provincial magistrate Ruth Moyo on Wednesday, 08 August, ruled that the Transform Zimbabwe leader has to answer to the charges he is facing and should let the investigations continue.
Ngarivhume (46) is being jointly charged with Kelvin Gonde (45) on two counts of participating in an unlawful gathering and disorderly conduct.
The duo was remanded in custody to August 8 for bail application.
They are accused of being part of a gathering that included 79 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists arrested in June.
Prosecutor Ephraim Zinyandu alleged that on June 16 2024, police received information that the two, along with CCC interim leader Jameson Timba and 78 other party activists gathered unlawfully at Timba’s house in Avondale, Harare.
Zinyandu said police officers went to Timba’s house and on arrival, they were confronted by a riotous crowd.
He further alleged that the activists threw stones at the police and some officers were injured while a police Mahindra vehicle was damaged.
He said the activists were subdued after the police fired tear smoke, leading to their arrest.
The delay in arresting Ngarivhume and Gonde, compared to their alleged accomplices, raises questions. It is unclear why the police took more than one and a half months to apprehend them.
Ngarivhume’s arrest coincides with the government’s apparent crackdown on opposition political activists, which has intensified ahead of the 44th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit scheduled to take place in Harare on August 17, 2024.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwean opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume's request to not face charges was denied by a judge in Harare. He and another person are accused of joining a protest that turned violent. Ngarivhume is linked to a political party with many activists arrested before. The police say they were slow to arrest Ngarivhume. His arrest comes during a time when the government is targeting opposition members. He has been remanded in custody, and his case will continue.

Ngarivhume Has A Case To Answer, Rules Magistrate

The President of the Transform Zimbabwe party, Jacob Ngarivhume was reportedly picked up at his residence this Friday by unidentified individuals, believed to be state security agents.
In a post on the social media platform X, former Zengeza West Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala, said that Ngarivhume was picked up by unknown persons in an unmarked Toyota Fortuner GD6 vehicle. Said Sikhala:
<blockquote>
Jacob Ngarivhume, the President of Transform Zimbabwe, has just been picked up at his house by unknown people in an unmarked Toyota FORTUNER GD6 motor vehicle.
</blockquote>
This comes as the government has intensified its crackdown against dissent, which appears to be an attempt to prevent any potential protests that could disrupt the upcoming 44th SADC Summit scheduled to be held in Harare on August 17.
Early this month, Sikhala and Ngarivhume declared their readiness to spearhead citizen protests against the high-level corruption, plunder of natural resources, and poor governance under the ZANU PF-led government.
It is worth noting that both Sikhala and Ngarivhume have been jailed on what their supporters consider to be trumped-up charges, a development that has been widely condemned as an attempt by the ruling party to silence dissenting voices.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) on Friday said that 11 Mutare residents were arrested for allegedly gathering at a house and plotting to carry out what ZRP called “acts of public violence” meant to disturb the “successful hosting of the SADC summit”.
The ZLHR also revealed that a clergyman, Bishop Kevin Nyamakanga, was arrested at his residence in Harare, for allegedly plotting to incite public violence during the SADC summit scheduled to be held in the country on 17 August.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights also confirmed Ngarivhume’s arrest but did not provide details.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jacob Ngarivhume, the leader of a political party, was taken by unknown people from his home. This happened as the government is trying to stop protests before a big meeting. Jacob and another politician were planning to protest about corruption and bad leadership. The government has been arresting people to silence them. The police also arrested 11 people for planning to cause trouble during a summit. A clergyman was also arrested for wanting to cause violence during the summit. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights confirmed Ngarivhume's arrest but did not say more.

Jacob Ngarivhume Arrested

Prominent opposition politicians Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume have declared their readiness to spearhead citizen protests against the high-level corruption, plunder of natural resources, and poor governance under the ZANU PF-led government, reported <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/ex-political-prisoners-job-sikhala-jacob-ngarivhume-vow-to-lead-protests-against-mnangagwas-government/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
Sikhala, who leads the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) pressure group, and Ngarivhume, the leader of the Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) political party, made these comments during a joint media conference held at the Media Centre in Harare on Friday.
It is worth noting that both Sikhala and Ngarivhume have been jailed on what their supporters consider to be trumped-up charges, a development that has been widely condemned as an attempt by the ruling party to silence dissenting voices. Said Sikhala:
<blockquote>
We are coming together as democratic forces in Zimbabwe. This agreement is not between Jacob Ngarivhume and Job Sikhala, it is the agreement of the people of Zimbabwe over their desires to see all democrats coalescing to deal with the challenges we are facing as a nation.
So as a nation, ladies and gentlemen, we welcome this major development. It was after consultation with the majority of the people of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
According to Job Sikhala, the agreement they have put forward seeks to garner the support of all “change agents” to tackle the myriad problems plaguing the country.
Sikhala, along with his counterpart Jacob Ngarivhume, stated that this coalition is open to individuals or democratic forces that are not affiliated with or have previously collaborated with the ruling ZANU-PF party. Said Sikhala:
<blockquote>
There are so many people who want to understand what we mean about the coalition of democratic forces and progressive forces.
What are progressive forces? Progressive forces are the following; organisations or persons who have not been involved, one way or the other, in abetting the agenda of the current Zanu PF regime.
Someone who has never at one time or moment been dealing covertly or overtly with ZANU PF to the detriment of our crises.
If you realise that at one particular time you have been hobnobbing with ZANU PF, to the masses of our nation, you are not a progressive force.
We are not interested in working with you, we are prepared to work with those people who have identified our primary enemy and our primary enemy in Zimbabwe is ZANU PF.
Number two, progressive forces are those who believe in the democratic rule of law and constitutionalism, those who believe in collective decision-making by the masses of our people.
Number three, these are people who believe that the interests of our people must be at the centre, the issues that affect our masses in Zimbabwe must be at the centre of every individual self interest.
Number four, progressive forces are those who believe that Zimbabwe one day must be free, those who believe that through the power of the people, our people will be free one day.
</blockquote>
So, the parameters are very clear those people who have never been dining with our primary enemy in Zimbabwe are progressive forces.
Ngarivhume made it clear that he and his counterpart Job Sikhala are willing to personally lead protests against the government, should that be the desire of the Zimbabwean people. 
He said they will not adopt the approach of sending others out to demonstrate while they remain at home He said:
<blockquote>
If the people say they want protests, like l have said over and over, section 59 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe allows for protests.
There are guidelines within the constitutional framework that allow for protests, that is not illegal for the people of Zimbabwe to protest.
The thing that the regime doesn’t entertain protests shows that there is something wrong with it because protests are provided in the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
If people say, okay we want to protest we are very much prepared to lead from the front. We don’t want to send the people of Zimbabwe to places that we can’t be, we don’t want them to go into the streets while we are basking in the comfort of our homes and in any case, there is nothing comfortable in our homes anymore because everything comfortable has been destroyed and plundered by corruption.
So, we will be guided by what the people of Zimbabwe want and because we are not made of cheap steel, we are not violent we are not advocating for violence, we are calling for peaceful engagement in terms of what the people of Zimbabwe want and if it is there in the Constitution, it’s fine we will do it.
</blockquote>
Sikhala, who was then the Member of Parliament for Zengeza West, was arrested in June 2022 and spent a prolonged period of 595 days in pre-trial detention. He faced several charges, including incitement to commit public violence.
Meanwhile, Ngarivhume was sentenced to four years in prison in April 2023 for his role in inciting public violence.
This conviction stemmed from a video he posted on the social media platform X in 2020, in which he called for protests against the rampant corruption plaguing Zimbabwe.
However, the High Court later set aside Ngarivhume’s conviction and sentence in December 2023, effectively securing his release from prison.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sikhala, Ngarivhume Say Ready To Lead Citizen Protests Against State Corruption

Jacob Ngarivhume, the leader of Transform Zimbabwe, believes that defeating the ruling party ZANU PF in Zimbabwe requires collective action from the citizens. He urges a shift away from relying solely on individual politicians and emphasises the need for better coordination within the opposition.
Ngarivhume argues that politics in Zimbabwe should move beyond focusing on individuals and personalities and instead promote collective action. He points out that ZANU PF demonstrates strong coordination in persecuting people, and Zimbabweans need to unite similarly. He said during This Morning on Asakhe, an X space hosted by <a href="https://cite.org.zw/ngarivhume-calls-for-collective-action-to-defeat-zanu-pf/?fbclid=IwAR06y2qCDaMU2646bDt4Zxj_2mC7wmmZgGn5cCWFy0nXkdBa-N1dlfZsbY4">CITE</a> on Tuesday:
<blockquote>
None but ourselves can free ourselves as Zimbabweans. This is what Transform Zimbabwe strongly feels.
We need a well-coordinated response to what is happening in the country. The enemy, the Zanu PF regime is well-coordinated in persecuting people. They have captured the courts. They know that you will not escape the courts. They have captured prison officers in our prisons and they know you will be quite in trouble when in prison. They are well-coordinated and well-oiled and this is the kind of coordination that we need. The opposition needs two times that coordination.
</blockquote>
According to Ngarivhume, when politicians fail to deliver, it is up to ordinary citizens to take control of the situation. He believes that the people should collectively challenge decisions like the recent national budget, which included tax increases on already struggling citizens. Ngarivhume suggests that citizens should reject such actions and demand an end to corruption, even if it means taking to the streets.
Ngarivhume calls for a shared vision among Zimbabweans and urges the opposition to unite and find common ground in their fight against a regime which he says ignores the voices of the people. He emphasises the importance of Zimbabweans taking initiative rather than relying on external intervention.
Reflecting on his detention, Ngarivhume stressed the need for support and solidarity among political activists, especially when they are arrested. He said:
<blockquote>
I informed my information team, and I spoke to ZINASU because we need that solidarity. As you grow, you realise people are so much afraid of many things. They want to occupy that space alone (saying) ‘that space must be occupied by me and is mine alone.’ That is selfishness. In the struggle, you need to stand up for another.
We must speak up for Sikhala and the Mthwakazi people. You can’t be arrested and we say nothing. The oppressor looks at that. The strong support sends a strong message. That’s the kind of thing they look at. Sikhala goes back to the Magistrates Court in Harare on January 24, 2024, and we need to be there.
</blockquote>
In 2021, Ngarivhume said that Zimbabwe needed a different and more mature way of doing politics. He called for people to come together and support Nelson Chamisa, who he said leads the biggest opposition party in the country. However, Ngarivhume couldn’t take part in the August 2023 elections because he was in prison at the time.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Defeating ZANU PF Requires Collective Action From The Citizens - Ngarivhume

Transform Zimbabwe leader <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>, who was recently released from prison after being acquitted of incitement to commit violence, has vowed to continue speaking against corruption.
Ngarivhume was arrested ahead of the planned 31 July 2020 protests for allegedly calling on people to protest the alleged corruption around the procurement of COVID-19 protective clothing.
Speaking in an interview with <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/imprisonment-wont-silence-me/">The NewsHawks</a>, Ngarivhume said that there is no reason for Zimbabweans to experience economic hardships given that the country is endowed with abundant mineral resources. He said:
<blockquote>
You will see even more of that, I do it because I believe this is the right thing. We fight for our country because that is our heritage.
Zimbabwe is our heritage and we have no other heritage except Zimbabwe. If we do not speak out, it will be wrong.
Look at Zimbabwe, such an endowed country with mineral resources. We have all the minerals that you can think of.
One of the books that I read when I was in prison details the mineral resources found in this country, they run into hundreds.
There is no reason absolutely why Zimbabwe would be this poor. What has happened to all these mineral resources?
</blockquote>
Ngarivhume said that during his time in prison, he met the president of the Zimbabwe Miners’ Federation, Henrietta Rushwaya, who is reportedly a niece of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Rushwaya had been convicted of trying to smuggle six kilogrammes of gold via the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport.
Ngarivhume questioned how Rushwaya was later given a wholly suspended five-year custodial sentence and fined US$5 000 for the crime. He said:
<blockquote>
When I was inside I had an opportunity to speak to Henrietta Rushwaya convicted of trying to smuggle 6kg of gold.
Of course, she was given a wholly suspended sentence. She came out ahead of me and Job and, amazingly, you would understand how much gold is moving and changing hands in this country.
So there is no reason why we should be in this position as a country and that we speak out against it. It’s the corruption, bad leadership, bad governance.
When people loot a country from 1980 without even feeling and deciding that you need to allow the country to grow and prosper, it is startling.
That is unacceptable and someone needs to speak out and we will do that.
This is not personal, our fight is not personal against ED (President Emmerson Mnangagwa) or against ZANU PF as an organisation.
It is based on principle, to say we have to do the right thing for our country. If we do not do the right thing, then someone needs to speak up. That is what we are doing.
</blockquote>
Ngarivhume was convicted of public violence incitement charges by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka on 27 April 2023, after a full trial that lasted almost three years.
The following day, Chakanyuka sentenced Ngarivhume to 48 months imprisonment, with 12 months conditionally set aside. 
On 11 December 2023, Ngarivhume was acquitted on appeal by High Court judges Pisirayi Kwenda and Fatima Maxwell after spending eight months in prison.
The judges said no evidence was produced to prove he owned the X (Twitter) account that had allegedly incited violence resulting in his arrest and conviction by Magistrate Chakanyuka in May.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Imprisonment Won’t Silence Me - Ngarivhume

Jacob Ngarivhume, the leader of the Transform Zimbabwe party, has been acquitted by the High Court after serving eight months of his <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/29/madhuku-says-to-appeal-outrageous-sentence-as-ngarivhume-is-jailed-four-years/">three-year jail sentence</a> for inciting violence on Twitter. The judges, Pisirayi Kwenda and Fatima Maxwell, stated that there was no evidence to prove Ngarivhume owned the Twitter account in question.
His release has sparked various reactions from people of different backgrounds, who have raised concerns about the fairness of the legal process and the lack of evidence presented during the trial.
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono highlighted that Jacob Ngarivhume has been acquitted after being wrongly convicted and spending eight months in prison. Chin’ono believes this was part of political persecution by the Mnangagwa regime due to Ngarivhume’s call for protests against corruption. He said
<blockquote>
Jacob Ngarivhume has been acquitted after being wrongly convicted and jailed for 4 years. He added: He spent 8 months in prison as part of political persecution by the Mnangagwa regime after he called for protests against corruption! Courts are routinely used to persecute political opponents of the regime! 
</blockquote>
Former ZCTU president, Peter Gift Mutasa, expressed gratitude to God for Ngarivhume’s release. Mutasa said:
<blockquote>
Receiving good news of Jacob Ngarivhume acquittal We thank God for keeping him safe
</blockquote>
Obert Masaraure, the president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ),  stated that Ngarivhume should never have been imprisoned and should have been commended for fighting corruption. He said:
<blockquote>
We welcome the release of @NgarivhumeJacob In a normal country Ngarivhume should have received an award for fighting against corruption. In Zimbabwe he had to spent 8 months in prison. We are glad he has been reunited with his family and very soon Sikhala will also be released.
</blockquote>
Heal Zimbabwe Trust welcomed the end of his incarceration. They said:
<blockquote>
We welcome the end of Jacob Ngarivhume’s unjust incarceration. His now overturned conviction is a symbol of the injustice that has now characterised our judicial system.
</blockquote>
Morgen Komichi, a former senior official in the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), celebrated Ngarivhume’s freedom. He said:
<blockquote>
Jacob Ngarivhume is finally FREE from the claws from the leopard. God is great. Let’s Praise the Lord
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Human Rights Monitors Platform also said Ngarivhume should not have been behind bars for calling for a peaceful protest in the first place. They said:
<blockquote>
Jacob Ngarivhume has just been acquitted in a case where he had earlier been sentenced to 4 years in prison. He should not have been behind bars for calling for a peaceful protest in the first place.
</blockquote>
David Coltart, former Primary and Secondary Education Minister (during the Government of National Unity) said:
<blockquote>
I am overjoyed by the news that Jacob Ngarivhume has been acquitted of the patently spurious charges he was facing. I am appalled that he was unjustly jailed for 8 months and hope that he can sue the State for this grave travesty of justice. #Zimbabwe
</blockquote>
Human rights activist Makomborero Haruzivishe admired Ngarivhume’s dedication as a people’s fighter. He said: Mr
<blockquote>
Jacob Ngarivhume was not supposed to have been arrested, convicted and jailed in the first place. That you (Thank you) @ProfMadhuku, @ZLHRLawyers and the entire legal team for securing his freedom. Mr Ngarivhume is a real people’s fighter. This persecution by prosecution was meant to silence him for speaking out and organising against corruption and dictatorship which are the flagships of ZanuPf. In turmoil and tenacity, victory is certain! #PeoplePower #ZanuPfMustGo #FreeAllPoliticalPrisonersInZimbabwe
</blockquote>
However, a ZANU PF apologist, Kudzai Mutesi, criticised Ngarivhume and warned him to avoid trouble in the future. He said:
<blockquote>
Ngarivhume will learn to behave … His family will advise him to stay away from trouble… Only Prof Madhuku could save him from prison, the other cashvist lawyers were enjoying his incarceration…. Never put your trust in the cashvist folks, they don’t care about anyone.
</blockquote>
Some believe that Ngarivhume was intentionally imprisoned to prevent him from participating in the 2023 harmonised elections, which took place between 23 and 24 August. Ngarivhume was accused of being one of the organisers of the unsuccessful anti-corruption protest on 31 July 2020. He now denies owning the Twitter account that called for a national shutdown to protest against the ZANU PF-led government’s poor leadership.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Transform Zimbabwe Leader Jacob Ngarivhume Acquitted After Serving 8 Months

The High Court postponed the appeal hearing of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume/">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>, the leader of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Transform_Zimbabwe/">Transform Zimbabwe</a> party, due to the National Prosecuting Authority’s failure to submit its response on time.
Ngarivhume is appealing his conviction and sentence for inciting public violence by calling for the foiled protests on July 31, 2020. He was initially sentenced to four years in prison but is now serving a three-year term with a conditional suspension.
The appeal could not proceed because the NPA claimed it was unaware of the hearing due to new digital filing and virtual hearing procedures, <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/more-jail-time-for-ngarivhume-as-prosecution-stalls-appeal-hearing/">ZimLive</a> reported. Ngarivhume’s lawyer, Prof <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Lovemore_Madhuku/">Lovemore Madhuku</a> told reporters outside the High Court:
<blockquote>
The state had not filed its heads of argument. We filed our heads of argument long back and the state indicated that because of the new online system, they had not been going to the court and were not aware that today was day of hearing so they need time.
</blockquote>
Related:
<ul style="list-style-type: square;">
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/02/julius-malema-speaks-on-jacob-ngarivhumes-imprisonment/">Julius Malema Speaks On Jacob Ngarivhume’s Imprisonment</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/01/jonathan-moyo-says-ngarivhumes-imprisonment-shows-zims-regression-to-gukurahundi-era/">Jonathan Moyo Says Ngarivhume’s Imprisonment Shows Zim’s Regression To Gukurahundi Era</a></li>
</ul>
Madhuku maintains that the magistrate’s court court erred in sending Ngarivhume to jail “when it was clear he committed no offence.”
<blockquote>
We’re making very clear arguments. We think that our client has reasonable prospects that the conviction was wrong. You will recall that the only reason why the magistrate convicted him was that he did not disclose at the time of questioning by the police that he did not have a Twitter account… that’s the sole issue. They said why did you not say it the first time you were interviewed by the police?
We are saying that is wrong. A person is permitted not to say anything to the police when they are arrested. It is going to evolve around that important point.
</blockquote>
Madhuku requested Justice Chikowero to recuse himself, citing the judge’s prior dismissal of Ngarivhume’s bail application, indicating a preconceived opinion on the matter. Madhuku added that Jacob Ngarivhume’s appeal hearing has been postponed to November 14. He also criticised the state’s failure to provide evidence linking Ngarivhume to a Twitter account, deeming it “fatal” to their case. Before the hearing, Ngarivhume appeared in good spirits, engaging with supporters and fellow political prisoner Job Sikhala, who also seeks Chikowero’s recusal in a separate appeal.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

High Court Postpones Appeal Hearing For Jacob Ngarivhume

Harare magistrate Vongai Guriro Muchuchuti has rejected an application for release by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a>, a detained activist from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
In her ruling, the magistrate stated that Sikhala had a case to answer based on evidence, including a video clip where he was present during alleged public incitement, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200018466/sikhalas-application-for-discharge-dismissed">NewsDay</a> reported. The magistrate emphasised that the court carefully evaluated the witness testimony and found it illogical to argue that Sikhala’s remarks in the video were not intended to incite public violence.
Additionally, the ruling stated that it was evident that Sikhala appeared in the video and that the voice belonged to him. Sikhala was represented by Harrison Nkomo and Jeremiah Bhamu during the proceedings.
<h3>Some context:</h3>
On August 21, 2020, Sikhala was arrested by the police. The allegations against him include inciting people to commit public violence by joining a foiled protest march intended to express dissatisfaction with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
The police also charged Sikhala with inciting public violence as an alternative charge. It is claimed that between May and July 2020, the former Zengeza West legislator incited people to engage in demonstrations that would lead to violence and disrupt peace through video clips with violent messages. The court was informed that Sikhala even called upon Zimbabweans residing outside the country to participate in the protest scheduled for July 31, 2020.
The foiled protests were meant to express discontent with corruption, misgovernance, and the exploitation of national resources by the political elite. The demonstrations received support from various stakeholders, including political parties.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume/">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>, the leader of Transform Zimbabwe and the main organizer of the protests, was arrested in August 2020 on charges of inciting public violence. In April 2023, he was found guilty and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/28/jacob-ngarivhume-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail/">sentenced to four years in prison</a>, following his conviction for inciting public violence. The trial lasted almost three years, and Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka handed down a sentence of 48 months, with 12 months conditionally suspended, resulting in an effective three-year imprisonment.
Journalist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin'ono/">Hopewell Chon’ono</a> was also arrested on July 20, 2020, on charges of inciting public violence due to his support for anti-corruption protests through social media.
Due to fear of government retaliation, several political activists went into hiding, as they were accused of planning the protests. The government labelled the foiled demonstrations as an insurrection and referred to the organizers as “terrorists.”
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Magistrate Rejects Jailed Sikhala's Application To Be Released

The High Court in Harare has set the date to hear an appeal by jailed Transform Zimbabwe leader <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>.
<a href="https://x.com/daddyhope/status/1716008049217839615?s=20">According to journalist Hopewell Chin’ono</a>, High Court judges, Justices Pisirayi Kwenda and Benjamin Chikowero will hear Ngarivhume’s appeal on Tuesday, 24 October, at 10 AM.
Ngarivhume was sentenced to four years in jail on 28 April 2023 following his conviction the previous day of public violence incitement charges.
The charges emanated from a July 2020 tweet in which he allegedly called for a national shutdown in protest over poor leadership by the ZANU PF-led government.
Ngarivhume was convicted by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka after a full trial that lasted almost three years.
He was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, with 12 months conditionally set aside. This means he will serve an effective three years in jail.
During the trial, Ngarivhume denied the accusations arguing that the Twitter handle allegedly used as the basis of his prosecution did not belong to him.
In June this year, Justices Kwenda and Chikowero reserved judgement indefinitely in a matter in which Ngarivhume was seeking bail pending appeal against his conviction and sentencing.
The judges reserved judgement after hearing arguments by Ngarivhume through his lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku who argued that the magistrate who convicted and sentenced his client erred in finding him guilty of an offence he had not committed.
In sentencing Ngarivhume, magistrate Chakanyuka said she took into consideration that Ngarivhume “is a first offender” adding that “a fine or suspended sentence would not deter further offenders, a sentence must be meaningful.
Incitement to public violence is defined as the act of urging, encouraging, or advocating for the use of violence by members of the public against other individuals or groups. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The Government has been accused of using the charge of incitement to public violence to suppress dissent and opposition.
Several political activists, journalists, and other individuals who speak out against ZANU PF or its policies have been arrested and charged with incitement to public violence.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Sets Date To Hear Ngarivhume's Appeal

On August 3, 2023, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/08/03/supreme-court-clears-12-ccc-candidates-to-contest-2023-elections/">Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s ruling</a> and cleared 12 Citizens <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Citizens%27_Coalition_for_Change/">Coalition for Change (CCC)</a> parliamentary candidates to contest in the upcoming 2023 elections. Prior to the ruling, there was widespread speculation and debate about the judiciary’s impartiality and political bias, with some suggesting that the ruling ZANU PF party had undue influence over the courts and the executive branch of government.
Now that the ruling has been issued, reactions have been mixed, with some celebrating the decision as a victory for democracy and justice, while others caution against premature celebration and warn that the ruling could be used to bolster ZANU PF’s claims of a fair and free election. Pindula News presents some of the reactions below.
ZANU PF expressed disappointment on Twitter over the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the nullification of the nominations of the CCC parliamentary candidates. However, the party stated that they respect the court’s decision and that their government upholds the rule of law. Read the party’s posts:
<blockquote>
It’s a disappointing court outcome !! 
What’s now clear is that: 
eZEC sided with CCC on this case. 
Now the Courts have sided with CCC again. 
We are a political party which respects court judgements. 
Nothing changes, we will defeat the 12 CCC candidates in Bulawayo. 
Our courts are not captured. ZANU PF govt respects the rule of law, today’s Supreme Court judgement in favour of CCC is proof that our courts are not captured.
</blockquote>
According to Information Secretary <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nick_Mangwana/">Nick Mangwana</a>, the Supreme Court’s decision shows that Zimbabwe’s judiciary is professional and impartial. He said:
<blockquote>
We have a very professional and impartial Judiciary. We unfortunately also have those who believe they should never lose a case, even if the case is a dud. When they lose they scream “captured”. Same for elections. We have those who always scream, “rigged” when they lose. You can’t blame the referee every time you don’t win.
</blockquote>
Award-winning journalist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin'ono/">Hopewell Chin’ono</a> cautioned the CCC against premature celebration, warning that ZANU PF may use the Supreme Court’s decision to their advantage in the future. Chin’ono suggested that ZANU PF is using the ruling to position the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as a fair referee in their narrative to the world. He argued:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwean opposition should not celebrate anything from the court judgement, they should only breath a sigh of relief. 
The tweet below from a ZANUPF handle shows you what this is about, ZANUPF is saying the courts are not captured, and this has positioned @ZECzim as a fair referee in ZANUPF’s narrative to the world since the opposition got a favourable affidavit from @ZECzim
President Mnangagwa and ZANUPF didn’t need these 12 seats, because there was never 12 seats uncontested, only 3 were uncontested, the others would have been contested by the likes of ZAPU. 
So in the eyes of ZANUPF this process has cleansed the courts and @ZECzim
When the inevitable Presidential result dispute and battle takes center stage, this case will be used and referred to ad nauseam as an example that the process was fair. 
They will say; “…the same court delivered judgement in your favor last month, the same @ZECzim 
sided with you on the Bulawayo 12.” There is a word for it, it is called choreography! 
Celebration is missing the point!
</blockquote>
Brighton Mutebuka disagreed with Hopewell Chin’ono, saying that the CCC and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa/">Nelson Chamisa</a> should quietly celebrate that they are back on the ballot, despite knowing that the courts are captured. He criticized the unjust and unfounded criticism that was given as the reason for the disqualification of the CCC candidates and argued that such an approach helped the regime to escape censure while piling up pressure on the opposition. Mutebuka emphasized the need for solidarity among the opposition, which is badly beleaguered.
Former Information Minister, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Moyo/">Jonathan Moyo</a> has congratulated the CCC candidates. He also congratulated Professor Welshman Ncube for the legal fight he put up. Moyo expressed concern over the unprecedented high number of court battles over disputes arising from the outcome of the Nomination Court on 21 June 2023 saying they have put the integrity of the 2023 harmonised general election itself into serious question. He said:
<blockquote>
… Meanwhile, the message and the truth that justice denied is justice delayed, remain. On this score, the 2023 election has made history for the wrong reasons. It’s a notorious fact that the unprecedented high number of court battles over disputes arising from the outcome of the Nomination Court on 21 June 2023 have not only taken too long to resolve, but with only 20 days to go before polling day, the long delay has also put the integrity of the 2023 harmonised general election itself into serious question, with postal voting now in clear and present jeopardy. All nominated candidates gazetted by @ZECzim on 30 June 2023 should have been allowed to get on with it from the date of the Government Gazette. Today’s Supreme Court decision no doubt makes this point and its ramifications more sharply,and its consequences invite urgent and very troubling questions about the justice or injustice of the decision of the same Supreme Court on the Saviour Kasukuwere’s case, only last week. Not only is justice delayed justice denied, but justice must not only be done, it must also be seen to be done. Today’s Supreme Court decision for which CCC and other parliamentary candidates in Bulawayo who won it deserve their celebrations and are to be congratulated without any reservations, does nevertheless leave uncomfortable and unsettling thoughts about the justice or injustice of the Kasukuwere case. It is for this troubling situation that the Constitutional Court has its work cut out, not least because section 23(3) of the Electoral Act, upon which the Kasukuwere case was decided is manifestly unconstitutional, particularly but not only in terms of sections 66 and 67 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, regarding the right to freedom of movement and residence, and the right to vote; which are both historic gains of the liberation struggle whose heroes Zimbabweans are commemorating this month, and on which a general election is taking place for the first time since independence in 1980!
</blockquote>
CCC national spokesperson, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Fadzayi_Mahere/">Fadzayi Mahere</a>, said there is nothing to celebrate adding that the candidates must have never been removed from the ballot in the first place. The legal expert said:
<blockquote>
We won’t stop demanding democracy #ForEveryone. The people of Bulawayo must never be deprived of the right to choose their leaders. We reject the imposition of Zanu PF in Bulawayo Province. We don’t celebrate because they should never have been removed in the first place!
</blockquote>
While some have celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the nullification of the nominations of the CCC parliamentary candidates, others have highlighted the ongoing incarceration of CCC’s MP for Zengeza West, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a>, and Transform Zimbabwe leader, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume/">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>, as a sign that the judiciary is captured. Despite the court’s ruling, some believe that the continued detention of Sikhala and Ngarivhume, without trial for over a year, undermines the credibility of the judiciary and the electoral process. The detention of these political leaders has been a subject of controversy, with some alleging that it is politically motivated. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Mixed Reactions As Supreme Court Clears 12 CCC Candidates To Contest 2023 Elections

Political analyst <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ibbo_Mandaza/">Ibbo D Mandaza</a> has criticised the continued incarceration of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala/">Job Sikhala</a> and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume/">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>, stating that it is not only a scandal but also an indictment on the Zimbabwean government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. 
Sikhala has been in Chikurubi Maximum Prison since June 2022 without trial, facing charges of incitement of violence and obstruction of justice. Ngarivhume, leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe party, was convicted of incitement to public violence in April 2023 and sentenced to four years in jail for a tweet he posted in July 2020. In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Mandaza suggested that the ZANU PF government is worse than the colonial government led by Ian Douglas Smith. He said:
<blockquote>
That Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume are still under incarceration as political prisoners is not only a scandal of great proportions but an indictment on those who purport to be in charge of this country. Never thought we would do worse than the Rhodesian regime.
</blockquote>
Mandaza’s remarks come after Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/02/julius-malema-speaks-on-jacob-ngarivhumes-imprisonment/">expressed shock</a> at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/28/jacob-ngarivhume-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail/">Jacob Ngarivhume’s imprisonment</a> in Zimbabwe. He criticised the Zimbabwean government for jailing Ngarivhume for demanding accountability on how COVID-19 funds were used in 2020, stating that it is pathetic to imprison an activist for holding different political views.
Former cabinet minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Moyo/">Jonathan Moyo</a> also claimed that Ngarivhume’s conviction and imprisonment signifies a regression of Zimbabwe’s judiciary system back to the Gukurahundi era, which was a period of political violence from 1983 to 1987. 
Zimbabwe has faced criticism for restricting political freedoms through arrests and harassment of opposition figures, journalists, and activists.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Ibbo Mandaza Criticises Zimbabwe's Imprisonment Of Opposition Leaders

Jailed Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume has been denied bail pending appeal by the High Court.
Ngarivhume, an MDC Alliance principal during the 2018 elections, had applied for bail pending appeal on a conviction from a charge of Incitement. Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono <a href="https://twitter.com/daddyhope/status/1668991361217974273?s=20">tweeted</a>:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwean political prisoner, Jacob Ngarivhume has been denied bail pending appeal by Justice Benjamin Chikowero.
Ngarivhume had applied for bail pending appeal on a conviction from a charge of Incitement. It means that he remains in prison until his appeal is heard, which can take forever.
However he can apply for bail at the Supreme Court if the Supreme Court agrees that his case meets the threshold for doing so. Jacob Ngarivhume called for protests against Corruption in 2020.
He was arrested on 20 July 2020 and was convicted this year and sent to jail for 4 years with one year suspended.
</blockquote>
Ngarivhume was in April 2023 found guilty of inciting public violence; using his Twitter handle to call for the 31st July 2020 nationwide anti-government protests.
Despite claiming he did not own the alleged Twitter account, the former MDC Alliance principal was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment, with one year suspended conditionally.
In sentencing Ngarivhume, magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka said she took into consideration that Ngarivhume “is a first offender” adding that “a fine or suspended sentence would not deter further offenders, a sentence must be meaningful.
However, his lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku argued that the magistrate who convicted and sentenced his client erred in finding him guilty of an offence he had not committed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Rejects Jacob Ngarivhume's Bail Application

The High Court has reserved judgement in a matter jailed Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) leader, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a> is seeking bail pending appeal against his conviction and sentencing.
Ngarivhume was in April 2023 found guilty of inciting public violence; using his Twitter handle to call for the 31st July 2020 nationwide anti-government protests.
Despite claiming he did not own the alleged Twitter account, the former MDC Alliance principal was convicted and sentenced to four years imprisonment, with one year suspended conditionally.
High Court judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda reserved judgement indefinitely after hearing arguments by Ngarivhume through his lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku.
Madhuku argued that the magistrate who convicted and sentenced his client erred in finding him guilty of an offence he had not committed. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/court-reserves-judgement-in-ngarivhume-freedom-bid/">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
This is the first time we have seen a politician being sent to jail for saying statements that allegedly incite the public.
The court in its ruling treated it as if he had actually committed public violence.
There are other factors which we believe were not taken into account.
We should not create a situation whereby we just jail politicians. In fact, it is on record that nothing happened, there was no violence on July 31 2020.
We pray that he pays half a million (bail), which is quite a substantial amount, to continue residing at the same address and not interfere with witnesses. There is no intention for him to abscond.
We believe that the High Court will certainly not uphold the conviction. We are very confident about that.
</blockquote>
In sentencing Ngarivhume, magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka said she took into consideration that Ngarivhume “is a first offender” adding that “a fine or suspended sentence would not deter further offenders, a sentence must be meaningful.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Reserves Judgement In Ngarivhume's Appeal Against 4 Years Imprisonment

Jailed Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) leader Jacob Ngarivhume says his incarceration for incitement to public violence will not dissuade him from speaking out against corruption.
In late April this year, Ngarivhume, a former MDC Alliance principal, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, with 12 months conditionally set aside.
The charges emanated from a July 2020 tweet in which he called for a national shutdown in protest over poor leadership by the ZANU PF-led government.
In a letter from Harare Central Prison where he is serving the sentence, Ngarivhume urged Zimbabweans to register to vote and ensure that they vote against “oppressors”. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I would like to thank you all for your support following my unjust incarceration. We all know that the oppressor has one language injustice, bad faith, oppression and persecution.
By sending us to the worst prisons of the world he believes that he can silence us. He thinks that because of the gullible conditions we are living under we will quit.
No! That will never happen. We, born to freedom and justice, believing in the same, would rather die in these squalid prisons on our feet than live on our knees bowing to oppression and injustice.
Zimbabwe is our heritage and we have no other. I insist on my innocence. To call for anticorruption protests is no crime. And is provided for in the constitution of the country.
I have been placed in the worst part of the prison dormitories where I am discriminated against every day.
I am the only prisoner who has to see visitors in the sight and hearing of several prison security details.
As I am talking to my visitors the security details come so close behind me that it even embarrasses them. No other prisoner is treated like that.
I have learnt to live with that. I can last all the way to the end. All I need are your prayers so that God keeps me safe while I am here. The oppressor has one step too close to me.
Meanwhile, I urge you all to register to vote. Register in your numbers and go vote when the dates are announced soon.
Meanwhile, ZEC has embarked on voter inspection. Please let us all go and inspect the voters’ roll and check whether our names appear correctly in the voters’ roll.
Defend your vote! Defend your right to live, the $3800RTGS parallel market rate will starve.
Fight for the leveling of the electoral playing field! Without which we cannot win.
Keep standing for the truth, no matter the consequences. Good will always prevail over evil. It’s a matter of time!
God bless you all.
Jacob Ngarivhume
(In Chains)
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jailed Jacob Ngarivhume Refuses To Be Silenced

On Monday, students from various tertiary institutions protested on social media against alleged ‘judicial capture’ and weaponisation of the law against opposition members.
The protest was sparked by the continued imprisonment of opposition CCC legislator <a href="https://wiki.pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a>, and students showed solidarity by painting graffiti in the capital calling for his release.
Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union President Boris Muguti said the protest aimed to send a message to the government. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011642/students-protest-over-judicial-capture">NewsDay</a> cited Muguti as saying:
<blockquote>
The primary agenda was to send a message to the regime in Harare and register our discontent against judicial capture. The message was successfully delivered.
Students were wearing black all over the country mourning the death of democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. The campaign was also a way of expressing our solidarity with the incarcerated comrades Job Sikhala and Jacob Ngarivhume.
As barometers of class consciousness, we cannot afford to sit and watch while the regime continues closing the democratic space in the country.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume/">Jacob Ngarivhume</a> recently received a <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/01/jonathan-moyo-says-ngarivhumes-imprisonment-shows-zims-regression-to-gukurahundi-era/">four-year jail sentence</a> for inciting public violence but will serve only three years. Sikhala has been in remand prison since June last year on charges of obstructing justice, inciting violence, and disorderly behaviour.
Muguti criticised the government for using courts to persecute political opponents, claiming that it has reduced Zimbabwe to a circus.
Police were reportedly unaware of the protests.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Students Protest 'Judicial Capture' And Weaponisation Against Opposition

Former Herald editor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Caesar_Zvayi">Caesar Zvayi</a> has accused Team Pachedu of cyber-bullying magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/28/jacob-ngarivhume-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail">who sentenced</a> <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">opposition leader</a> <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a> last month.
Former MDC Alliance principal and <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Transform Zimbabwe</a> leader, Jacob Ngarivhume, was sentenced to four years in jail for incitement of public violence charges. The charges stemmed from a July 2020 tweet in which Ngarivhume called for a <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">national shutdown</a> to protest the poor leadership of the ZANU PF-led government. He was convicted after a three-year trial and sentenced to an effective three years in jail, with 12 months conditionally set aside, by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka.
Ngarivhume’s conviction and sentence have resulted in accusations that the government is persecuting political opponents before the upcoming <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">harmonised elections</a>, scheduled between 26 July and 26 August this year.
Zimbabwean human rights advocacy organization, Team Pachedu, posted photos of Magistrate Chakanyuka on social media, asking the public to “make her famous.” Said Team Pachedu:
<blockquote>
Meet Feresi Chakanyuka. She is the magistrate who convicted and sentenced Jacob Ngarivhume. She is the same magistrate who has been unjustly denying Job Sikhala bail. She is also the same magistrate behind the legal persecution of Marry Mubaiwa. Make her famous!
</blockquote>
Sikhala has been in prison since June 2022 and has been denied bail on multiple occasions for allegedly inciting public violence during the <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">funeral wake</a> of CCC activist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Marry_Chiwenga">Marry Mubaiwa</a>, the former wife of Vice President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Constantino_Chiwenga">Chiwenga</a>, has been in court for several years over various charges, including the <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">attempted murder</a> of the former <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">military boss</a>, which she claims are fabricated.
In response to Team Pachedu’s post, Caesar Zvayi said Team Pachedu must be “nipped in the bud” a phrase which means to stop or prevent something at an early stage before it can become a bigger problem or grow into something more serious. He said:
<blockquote>
This is a clear attempt to intimidate the judiciary. Her Worship Feresi is being persecuted before our eyes for prosecuting criminals. There is need for strong DETERRENCE. 
This Cyber-Bullying by these Selous Scout nostalgics MUST be nipped in the bud. For those who may not know the Selous Scouts’ motto was ‘PAMWE CHETE’, this ex-Rhodies- led outfit calls itself “PACHEDU”. Coincidence?
</blockquote>
Critics accuse the Zimbabwean government of controlling the <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">judiciary system</a>, using it to punish <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">political opponents</a> and championing the ruling party’s agenda. They argue that <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">political opponents</a> are targeted to discourage them from confronting the government.
These accusations have had a negative impact on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s re-engagement agenda. The lack of <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">judicial independence</a> has raised concerns among the international community, hindering <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Zimbabwe</a>‘s efforts to improve relations with the West.
ZANU PF has denied accusations of judicial capture, maintaining that the judiciary is independent and operates without any political influence. 
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Team Pachedu Accused Of Bullying Magistrate Who Sentenced Ngarivhume

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/28/jacob-ngarivhume-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail">conviction and imprisonment</a> of <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">opposition leader </a><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a> last month have been widely criticised by individuals and organizations. 
Ngarivhume <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/28/jacob-ngarivhume-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail">was convicted of incitement to public violence and sentenced to four years in jail</a> for a tweet he posted in July 2020. Twelve months were conditionally suspended, with his case being seen as a threat to the constitutional rights of all <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Zimbabweans</a>. In the 2020 tweet, Ngarivhume called for a national shutdown to protest against poor leadership by the ZANU PF-led government. Pindula News presents some of the responses to Ngarivhume’s conviction and imprisonment:
<a href="http://pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Moyo">Jonathan Moyo</a>, a former Information Minister now in exile, claimed that the conviction and imprisonment of opposition leader <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a> signifies a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/01/jonathan-moyo-says-ngarivhumes-imprisonment-shows-zims-regression-to-gukurahundi-era">regression of Zimbabwe’s judiciary system</a> back to the Gukurahundi era. The Gukurahundi era was a period of political violence from 1983 to 1987. The Zimbabwean military killed an estimated 10 000 to 20 000 people, mostly ethnic Ndebele, under the pretext of suppressing a rebellion by armed dissidents and due to political tensions between ZANU-PF and PF-ZAPU parties.
Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed shock upon learning of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>‘s imprisonment in Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
I was shocked to hear that a Zimbabwean Government has jailed Jacob Ngarivhume @NgarivhumeJacob, for demanding accountability through picket lines on how Covid-19 funds were used in 2020 by kleptocratic politicians. Sending an activist to 4 years imprisonment for simply holding different political views is pathetic. Zimbabweans must learn to protect their own, particularly those who are the voice of the voiceless against the corrupt few. The truth will never be incarcerated; Africa we are one.
</blockquote>
Amnesty International has urged <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Zimbabwean authorities</a> to revoke opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume’s conviction and sentencing. <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Amnesty International</a>‘s Interim Deputy Director in Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda, expressed concern over the growing crackdown on opposition voices and dissent by Zimbabwean authorities, calling for the quashing of Ngarivhume’s sentence and an end to the weaponisation of the law to target opposition figures and those who speak out against corruption.
Ngarivhume’s defense team leader, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Lovemore_Madhuku">Lovemore Madhuku</a>, plans to appeal both his conviction and sentencing at the <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">High Court</a> while also applying for bail pending appeal. The team is confident that the High Court will not uphold the conviction, and even if it does, the sentence of 36 months effective is considered outrageous.
Journalist <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin%27ono">Hopewell Chin’ono</a> believes Ngarivhume is being persecuted for fighting corruption. 
Former Petrotrade board chair Tinomudaishe Chinyoka expressed anger over the conviction of Jacob Ngarivhume, calling it a travesty and a low point for Zimbabwe. Chinyoka stated that Ngarivhume did not commit a crime, and his rights to <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">freedom of expression</a> and assembly were guaranteed by the Constitution. He criticised the sentencing of a man to four years in prison for a tweet and questioned the decision of the Public Prosecutor and Magistrate involved in the case, calling for accountability. Chinyoka, a ZANU PF official said: 
<blockquote>
I might not agree with Ngarivhume’s politics, but he did not commit any crime. Our constitution says he did not commit any crime. And, while there are many that will disagree with me, I hope that they can find one point on which we might all agree. It is this: that as Zimbabweans, we should all be ashamed to live in country where a man can go to prison for four years for a tweet.
</blockquote>
<a href="http://pindula.co.zw/Gift_Ostallos_Siziba">Gift Ostallos Siziba</a>, the deputy spokesperson of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) said:
<blockquote>
The conviction of Ngarivhume for calling for a peaceful demonstration as enshrined in our constitution is as shocking as it is revealing of the farcist nature of the Corrupt, unelectable and unpopular regime!
</blockquote>
Team Pachedu shared a video and claimed that ZANU-PF youths incited violence during the July 31 peaceful protests by wielding knives, axes, and sjamboks, yet no one was arrested. They suggested that these individuals were the culprits and not Jacob Ngarivhume.
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a>

Reactions To Jacob Ngarivhume's Imprisonment

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed shock upon learning of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>‘s imprisonment in Zimbabwe.
Ngarivhume, the leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe party, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/04/28/jacob-ngarivhume-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail">was last month convicted of incitement to public violence and sentenced to four years in jail</a> for a tweet he posted in July 2020. In the tweet, Ngarivhume called for a national shutdown to protest against poor leadership by the ZANU PF-led government.
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Malema said Zimbabweans must learn to protect their people especially those fighting corruption. He said:
<blockquote>
I was shocked to hear that a Zimbabwean Government has jailed Jacob Ngarivhume @NgarivhumeJacob, for demanding accountability through picket lines on how Covid-19 funds were used in 2020 by kleptocratic politicians. Sending an activist to 4 years imprisonment for simply holding different political views is pathetic. Zimbabweans must learn to protect their own, particularly those who are the voice of the voiceless against the corrupt few. The truth will never be incarcerated; Africa we are one.
</blockquote>
Malema’s remarks come after <a href="http://pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Moyo">Jonathan Moyo</a>, a former Information Minister now in exile, claimed that <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>‘s conviction and imprisonment signifies a regression of Zimbabwe’s judiciary system back to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Gukurahundi">Gukurahundi</a> era. The Gukurahundi era was a period of political violence from 1983 to 1987. The Zimbabwean military killed an estimated 10 000 to 20 000 people, mostly ethnic Ndebele, under the pretext of suppressing a rebellion by armed dissidents and due to political tensions between ZANU-PF and PF-ZAPU parties.
Both Zimbabwe and South Africa have constitutional guarantees of political freedoms such as <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">freedom of expression</a>, assembly, and association. However, Zimbabwe has been criticised for restricting these freedoms through arrests and harassment of <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">opposition figures</a>, journalists, and activists, while <a class="Markdown_link__9ACHA MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">South Africa</a> has a more open political space but faces concerns of political interference and corruption. The actual practice and implementation of political freedoms can differ based on the government’s approach to dissent and opposition.
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Julius Malema Speaks On Jacob Ngarivhume's Imprisonment

Amnesty International (AI) has urged Zimbabwean authorities to revoke the conviction and sentencing of opposition leader, Jacob Ngarivhume, to 48 months imprisonment on charges of inciting public violence.
Ngarivhume was on Friday sentenced to four years in jail following his conviction the previous day of public violence incitement charges by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka. However, 12 months were conditionally suspended.
Vongai Chikwanda, Amnesty International’s Interim Deputy Director in Southern Africa said Ngarivhume was simply exercising his freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Chikwanda said Ngarivhume’s conviction demonstrates a growing crackdown against opposition voices and dissent by Zimbabwean authorities. Said Chikwanda:
<blockquote>
Jacob Ngarivhume faces four years in prison, of which a year is suspended, for organizing and leading a peaceful protest in July 2020 against corruption and denial of socio-economic rights to the people of Zimbabwe.
It is unthinkable that Jacob Ngarivhume has been sent to prison for exercising his constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Authorities must quash this sentence. Ngarivhume’s sentencing is a cynical ploy to suppress dissent and it is an abuse of the justice system to intimidate and harass opposition voices.
Jacob Ngarivhume’s conviction and sentencing show a growing crackdown on opposition leaders, human rights defenders, activists, journalists and other critical dissenting voices through abuse of the legal system.
Authorities must stop weaponizing the law to target opposition figures or anyone who speaks out against corruption.
</blockquote>
Ngarivhume, a former MDC Alliance principal, was arrested after leading and organising the 31 July 2020 anti-corruption protests.
He was accused of inciting public violence by using his Twitter handle to convene the 31 July 2020 nationwide anti-corruption protests which were suppressed by security forces.
Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka convicted Ngarivhume on Thursday, 27 April 2023.
He was sentenced on Friday, 28 April to 48 months imprisonment, with 12 months suspended.
Ngarivhume will effectively serve 36 months in prison without the option of a fine.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Amnesty International Says Ngarivhume's Conviction Should Be Quashed

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa says President Emmerson Mnangagwa has taken Zimbabwe back to Rhodesian-era oppression following the conviction of political activist Jacob Ngarivhume on public violence incitement charges.
Chamisa said Ngarivhume’s conviction is a betrayal of the gains of the liberation struggle, namely freedom, choice, and justice.
Posting on Twitter, Chamisa lamented what he described as the weaponisation of the law to punish Government critics. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The Jacob Ngarivhume conviction is a reminder of what’s broken about Zimbabwe. The liberation struggle was about freedom, choice and justice.
It is ridiculous and scandalous that chambers of justice have been turned into chambers of politics and guillotines of justice.
The weaponization of the law against critics is a replica of the Rhodesian regime template of oppression. ED has taken us back to Rhodesian oppression.
It mustn’t be criminal to oppose those who abuse power and authority. Zimbabwe shall be free! We’re fixing all this. Get ready!
</blockquote>
Ngarivhume was on Friday sentenced to four years in jail following his conviction the previous day of public violence incitement charges.
He was convicted by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka after a full trial that lasted almost three years.
Ngarivhume’s defence team led by Lovemore Madhuku said they are going to appeal both the sentence and conviction at the High Court.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Has Taken Zimbabwe Back To Rhodesian Oppression - Chamisa

Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume’s defence team has described his sentence as “outrageous” and vowed to appeal.
Ngarivhume was on Friday sentenced to four years in jail following his conviction the previous day of public violence incitement charges.
He was convicted by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka after a full trial that lasted almost three years.
Ngarivhume’s defence team led by Lovemore Madhuku said they are going to appeal both the sentence and conviction at the High Court. He said:
<blockquote>
We have been given instructions to file an appeal… so we are filing an appeal on Tuesday and we are also applying for bail pending appeal.
So we expect our client to be out and be a free person in a week or so. We believe that the High Court will certainly not uphold the conviction.
That’s our belief, we are very confident about that and there is everything wrong with the conviction.
Even if the High Court upholds the conviction, we also believe the sentence of 36 months effective is outrageous by any calculation…
You cannot send a political leader to prison for three years for merely tweeting what you consider to be incitement.
Of course, a message must be sent out but this particular sentence is completely outrageous.
</blockquote>
The charges against Ngarivhume emanated from a July 2020 tweet in which he called for a national shutdown in protest over poor leadership by the ZANU PF-led government.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Madhuku Says To Appeal "Outrageous" Sentence As Ngarivhume Is Jailed Four Years

Former MDC Alliance principal Jacob Ngarivhume was on Friday sentenced to four years in jail following his conviction the previous day of public violence incitement charges.
The charges emanated from a July 2020 tweet in which Ngarivhume, who is also Transform Zimbabwe leader, called for a national shutdown in protest over poor leadership by the ZANU PF-led government.
Ngarivhume was convicted by Harare magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka after a full trial that lasted almost three years.
He was on Friday sentenced to 48 months imprisonment, with 12 months conditionally set aside. This means he will serve an effective three years in jail.
During the trial, Ngarivhume denied the accusations arguing that the Twitter handle allegedly used as the bases of his prosecution did not belong to him.
Even after his conviction on Thursday, Ngarivhume still maintained his innocence. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/jacob-ngarivhume-convicted-over-2020-shutdown-tweet/">He said</a>:
<blockquote>
It’s unfortunate that they chose to convict me on an offence I did not commit.
It is like they are punishing me for being a politician. The State failed to prove that I own the alleged Twitter account and I told them it was not mine.
I do own a Twitter handle and I directed them to it, but they insisted that it was me without proof.
</blockquote>
Outspoken journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, who was also arrested in 2020 for alleged incitement to public violence but was acquitted by the High Court, said the Government has scored an own goal in convicting Ngarivhume. Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
Citizens remain calm. The regime is tying itself in knots and exposing itself to the world for what it is.
It might not care, but with time you will realize why this pain is necessary to achieve freedom.
I lived in prison with Jacob Ngarivhume, he will cope, and he was prepared for this the same way Job Sikhala is prepared for convictions.
What scares us is not prisons, weak people are scared of prisons.
What scares us is our determination to achieve freedom for all, and freedom will be achieved!
You can jail people, but you can never jail an idea!
Jailing someone because they called for a demonstration against corruption gives the answer that the world has been waiting for.
We are under a brutal regime that survives through corruption, so anyone who threatens its corrupt ways becomes an enemy and is thrown in prison.
Mandela stayed in prison for 27 years, and Mugabe stayed there for 11 years, prison doesn’t scare us.
It shows how the regime has run out of ideas, even Mugabe at his worst never behaves in this laughable manner.
So citizens remain calm, time and the world is on your side.
</blockquote>
Incitement to public violence is defined as the act of urging, encouraging, or advocating for the use of violence by members of the public against other individuals or groups. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The Government has been accused of using the charge of incitement to public violence to suppress dissent and opposition.
Several political activists, journalists, and other individuals who speak out against ZANU PF or its policies have been arrested and charged with incitement to public violence.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jacob Ngarivhume Sentenced To Four Years In Jail

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has said political activist Jacob Ngarivhume is being persecuted for fighting corruption.
Ngarivhume, who was represented by Professor Lovemore Madhuku, was convicted by Harare Magistrate Feresi Chakanyuka on Thursday on charges of inciting public violence after a full trial.
On Friday, Ngarivhume was sentenced to four years imprisonment by Chakanyuka but 12 months were conditionally suspended, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/zimlive/status/1651966094490456065">ZimLive</a>.
Posting on Facebook, Chin’ono said it was not only Ngarivhume who was on trial, but every Zimbabwean’s constitutional rights guaranteed by the Zimbabwean constitution was also on trial. He wrote:
<blockquote>
As Zimbabwean political activist Jacob Ngarivhume awaits his sentence this morning after being convicted yesterday for something underwritten in our constitution, we should all remember that Jacob is only a symbol.
What was on trial and is being sentenced today is everyone’s right to exercise YOUR constitutional rights guaranteed by the Zimbabwean constitution.
It is that very same constitution that was on trial and is being sentenced.
Consequent to understanding that reality should also make us know that selective solidarity shows that we are not yet ready to fight for everyone’s rights and the national cause, we are still fighting for personalities.
It means we are not yet ready to fight for OUR and EVERYONE’S freedom.
Stand tall Jacob knowing that your persecution is everyone’s persecution.
All those who are genuinely pursuing respect for the rule of law and constitutionalism stand with you.
Whatever sentence is delivered this morning, we will stand with you because fighting against corruption should never be criminalized!
We take comfort as ordinary citizens in seeing all the messages of solidarity from some bold opposition leaders who understand what this is about.
It is not about individuals being persecuted, it is about what those individuals are being persecuted for, our quest for freedom for all and a better society where we are governed by the law, not political orders.
Solidarity gives those being persecuted strength to carry on, they are not fighting for themselves, they are fighting for all of us.
Understanding that is the beginning of political wisdom which should reside in all of us.
</blockquote>
Incitement to public violence is defined as the act of urging, encouraging, or advocating for the use of violence by members of the public against other individuals or groups. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The Government has been accused of using the charge of incitement to public violence to suppress dissent and opposition.
Several political activists, journalists, and other individuals who speak out against the ruling party or its policies have been arrested and charged with incitement to public violence.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula New</a>

Ngarivhume Being Persecuted For Fighting Corruption - Chin'ono

Transform Zimbabwe (TZ) leader Jacob Ngarivhume was on Thursday convicted of incitement to public violence by a Harare magistrate.
Ngarivhume and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono were arrested in July 2020.
Speaking soon after the arrest of the duo, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that Jacob Ngarivhume of Transform Zimbabwe and Hopewell Chin’ono have been arrested in connection with allegations of Contravening Section 187(1)(a) as read with section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act, Chapter 9:23, “incitement to participate in public violence’.
</blockquote>
Posting on Twitter this Thursay, Chin’ono said Ngarivhume will be sentenced on Friday. He said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwean politician, Jacob Ngarivhume has been convicted of incitement this afternoon at the magistrates court. He will be sentenced tomorrow.
Ngarivhume was arrested on 20 July 2020 together with myself for allegedly inciting Zimbabweans to remove the Government.
The trumped charges were mere political persecution.
My lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa chose a different route to Ngarivhume’s lawyers by challenging the charges in the High Court where they were thrown out and labeled bogus.
</blockquote>
Ngarivhume was granted bail by High Court judge Justice Musithu in September after spending 43 days in remand prison.
He has been an outspoken critic of the Government and has called for greater democracy and accountability in Zimbabwe.
In August 2021, Ngarivhume was briefly arrested by police officers from Matapi Police Station in Mbare who then held two trucks that were to be used for clean-up campaign in the suburb.
Incitement to public violence is defined as the act of urging, encouraging, or advocating for the use of violence by members of the public against other individuals or groups. The offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The Government has been accused of using the charge of incitement to public violence to suppress dissent and opposition.
Several political activists, journalists, and other individuals who speak out against the ruling party or its policies have been arrested and charged with incitement to public violence.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jacob Ngarivhume Convicted Of Incitement To Public Violence

The leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe party, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jacob_Ngarivhume">Jacob Ngarivhume</a>, has announced his intentions to contest the 2023 presidential election.
In 2018, Ngarivhume backed Nelson Chamisaa’s candidature as he was a member of the MDC Alliance.
In a post on Twitter this Thursday, Ngarivhume said his campaign is about pushing back “tyranny” and “fighting corruption with action”. Below is Ngarivhume’s Twitter thread:
<blockquote>
I’ve decided to run for president!!! This campaign is about standing up to tyranny and fighting corruption with action.
We will not defeat ZANU PF by playing by their rules!!!
To the fringe voices with a burning desire for action, let’s do this together. In me, you have an ally.
We are going to fight for @JobSikhala1’s release and hold those who’ve persecuted him accountable for violating the Bill of Rights!
We are going after @edmnangagwa’s record, past and present. The man tried to defraud the nation during a global pandemic. The Drax scandal was approved by his office. This is not a small issue!
We have over 40000 police officers in this country. There is no reason to pray for a peaceful election.
[ZRP] will do its job as set out in the constitution to protect ALL citizens. We will expose those who are abusing their positions to prop up the regime.
We will urgently fight for new [ZEC] commissioners. This is the only way to restore public confidence in the commission.
The justice system has failed. There is a reason. Someone is to blame for the state our judiciary is in.
Our prisons are full of innocent people deprived of their freedom by corrupt judges. This is about to end!
Our nation is deep in debt yet those in government are giving each other bonuses!!!
Using the freedom of information Act we are going to find out what they’ve been doing with our money!!!
They can try to burn the books but the truth will come out!
The 2023 elections will not be another opportunity to legitimize criminals. Those who are running for office must have clean hands and a clean record!!!
It’s time for citizens to make the rules!!!
</blockquote>

Jacob Ngarivhume To Run For President Of Zimbabwe

Jacob Ngarivhume who leads the opposition Transform Zimbabwe has apologised for a Twitter post which claimed that his niece died after surgeons at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mistakenly cut her intestines during a C-section.
His apology came after the medical institution had issued a statement dismissing the politician’s claims. Ngarivhume said:
<blockquote>
I need to set the record straight. My remarks on the incident involving my late niece were misleading in that they the put the blame entirely on Pari. That was not my intention.
I was simply highlighting the challenges we are facing with our healthcare system, whether private or public. The doctors at Pari did the best they could under the circumstances but it was very evident they did not have the resources needed to save my niece’s life.
I’m grateful for all the messages that have poured in during this difficult time. And many people have used this opportunity to share their own experiences with our public institutions.
I am not ashamed to say I was wrong. My remarks should have been more clear for that I apologize to the hard-working men and women at Pari who do all they can to save lives under difficult circumstances.
</blockquote>
His apology attracted backlash from commentators who accused him of deliberately lying to tarnish the image of the government.
In his initial Twitter post, Ngarivhume said:
<blockquote>
For the past week I have been helping my sister look after her daughter. She passed on yesterday. She was 34. She died after going through a C-section operation to deliver her third baby at Pari. The doctors made a mistake and cut her intestines. She then developed an infection.
They took her for a second operation to correct the error this didn’t work. A 3rd procedure was planned to clean her up but sadly she suffered a cardiac arrest and died.
During her care she was put on an obsolete ventilator in the ICU at Pari. This country has gone to the dogs. 
Very sorry. Our healthcare system is under enormous pressures from a lack of resources, equipment, training. Sadly such stories will continue playing out until something changes.
</blockquote>
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Jacob Ngarivhume Apologises For Tweet On His Niece's Death At Parirenyatwa

Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume, who is a former MDC Alliance principal, has implored Zimbabweans to speak out against what he calls the complete disregard of the constitution by the ruling elites.
In a post on his Facebook page, Ngarivhume decried the alleged persecution of 16 CCC members including two legislators, Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole, by the State. Wrote Nharivhume:
<blockquote>
<h2>Why it is now or never for Zimbabwe</h2>
By Jacob Ngarivhume
We called for a week of protests against the unjust political detention of Job Sikhala, Godfrey Sithole and 15 others who are languishing in Chikurubi Max prison for over two months now. 
Most of them were in fact victims of brutal Zanu Pf violence against know leaders and activists of CCC in Chitungwiza and Nyatsime following the murder of Moreblessing Ali by known Zanu Pf leaders. 
I have visited most of them in prison and have listened to their harrowing stories. Their homes were destroyed by fire, property burnt and their families were left homeless. The police instead came and arrested them and now they are locked up. 
There is clear coordination here. Zanu Pf provokes and beats up mourners, they escalate by burning down homes, as opposition activists and leaders flee, the police step in.
They arrest the victims and their leaders, in this case, Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole. They don’t investigate, they arrest and then begin their investigations whilst they are locked up. 
The police hand them over to a compromised judiciary system, which takes orders from the state. They are denied bail and spend months in prison. 
Once you’re in the hands of the corrupt magistrates and other judiciary officials, the wheels of justice turn slowly. 
The constitution is clear, bail is a constitutional right. But alas, in Zimbabwe it is not if you’re a member of the opposition.
I have gone through that as an opposition leader, I am still in the courts and have learnt to live without my passport, reporting to the police once every week and appearing in court every fortnight for the last two years!
Meanwhile, as Job Sikhala and Godfrey Sithole and 15 others are languishing in detention, a Zanu Pf official loots millions of US dollars in some Cottco scam in Gokwe.
He is arrested, spends one night in prison and the following day is granted bail! End of story! Mayor Wadyajena is freed. You ask why they tell you bail is a constitutional right! 
Fellow citizens this is where we need to step in and bring order! We need to ask ourselves what will happen to this country if we don’t rise up and say enough is enough! 
I am not calling for violence, no not at all. What I am calling for is a citizen’s response to the complete disregard of the constitution by the ruling elites.
We have a duty to speak out, act and say this is wrong! This will be done in the confines of the law and the provisions of the supreme law of the land.
Above all this clarion call for action is peaceful and the aim is to make sure that we build a better nation that respects citizens’ rights. 
If we choose to ignore this moment, we are killing the future. Make no mistake, if a revolution does not stand with its persecuted it won’t win.
If an army does not fight to protect the injured and maimed during battles, it won’t win a single war! 
It is our duty to stand up and call the judiciary to order, the police to order and indeed the corrupt elites to order. 
Let me repeat, this is not a call to violent behaviour no, but a call to action, peaceful action. 
Let us set our differences aside, don’t see yourself too big as CCC, don’t see yourself too powerful Zanu Pf, let’s just come together as citizens to say something is not right here. Let’s correct it together! 
Whoever you’re, whoever you support, you need an impartial and fair judiciary system, a respectful police services system, and an executive that respects the separation of powers. 
These are the ideals our fathers went to war for and were prepared to die for. Our generation must be at least ready to defend what they died or were prepared to die for. 
I thank you, God bless you all and God bless Zimbabwe
</blockquote>

Why It Is Now Or Never For Zimbabwe - Ngarivhume [Full Text]

Jacob Ngarivhume, the leader of Transform Zimbabwe (TZ), said that opposition political parties should form a broad alliance to stand a chance of defeating ZANU PF in the 2023 elections.
Speaking on Monday on This Morning on Asakhe, a CITE online programme hosted on Twitter Space, Ngarivhume, however, said alliances should be entered into by parties that share similar values. He said:
<blockquote>
If you don’t pull your resources together, if you don’t come together if you work in silos, it doesn’t help when you are dealing with a dictatorship, especially an entrenched dictatorship like we have in ZANU-PF.
So, we absolutely feel and believe that we need to come together with other players and ensure that we approach elections from an aggregated point of view. So we absolutely believe in alliances.
But of course, it’s not just about believing in alliances and getting in alliances. You have to make sure that you get into an alliance with people who think like you, with whom you share similar values and with who you also feel that you have the best chance to succeed
You don’t just want to get into an alliance for the sake of it, you want to make sure that once you get into an alliance, you succeed and we are very much aware that we need such an arrangement in Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Ngarivhume was one of the signatories to the MDC Alliance ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections but pulled out after the polls.
He said TZ’s decision to withdraw from the alliance was driven by the need to strengthen their young political party.
More: <a href="https://cite.org.zw/political-alliances-still-the-way-to-go-ngarivhume/">CITE</a>

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