Mbare magistrate Stanford Mambanje has finally set 25 August as the trial date for Linda Masarira, a human rights activist who has been on remand since 6 July.
Masarira was arrested together with other 10 activists on charges of ‘engaging in violent protests’.
Efforts to file an Appeal at the High Court for Masarira who has been languishing in prison for over a month have not been successful as the State has not provided a transcribed record of proceedings.
Her lawyers, led by Kudzai Eric Kadzere tried to have the matter referred to the Constitutional Court for determination on the basis that her constitutional rights had been violated.
Masarira’s lawyer had also tried to present that Masarira was detained for 52 hours instead of the prescribed 48 before she was brought to court on her initial remand.
Magistrate Mambanje said the court was satisfied with its initial determination that Masarira was brought to court within the prescribed time.
The State has been opposing Masarira’s bail on the basis that she is a flight risk.
