MDC Alliance Youth Assembly Chairperson Obey Sithole was today arrested and taken to Harare Central Police Station in connection with a demonstration that was held in Warren Park a fortnight ago.
According to Sithole’s lawyers Obey Shava and Jeremiah Bhamu, Sithole is being charged with breaching lockdown regulations by partaking in an illegal demonstration.
Three other youth members, Honourable Joana Mamombe, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were abducted and tortured over the same demonstration.
They have since been charged with participating in an unsanctioned demonstration.
MDC Alliance Spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere confirmed Sithole’s arrest adding that they are yet to be informed of the charges laid against him.
“I can confirm that the MDC Alliance Youth Assembly leader, Obey Sithole has been arrested by Police
“We are yet to be informed of the charges against him,” said Mahere.
Sithole’s arrest comes a day after MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa’s lawyer Thabani Mpofu presented himself before the police to answer to charges of defeating the course of justice.
Advocate Mpofu was expected in court today but at the time of publishing, he was still detained at Rhodesville Police Station with his lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights expressing concern over the flagrant abuse of his rights.
“It appears Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) arrested Advocate Thabani Mpofu inorder to investigate, instead of investigating first and then arresting. ZRP members had had indicated that Advocate Mpofu would appear in court at 11 am on Tuesday but up to now ZRP members have become elusive.
“They could not be located at their offices and are not answering phone calls from Advocate Mpofu’s lawyers. As a matter of procedure, Advocate Mpofu can only appear in court once ZRP members have provided the necessary paperwork to prosecutors and the clerk of court. At all times, lawyers should be aware of these developments,” noted ZLHR.
