Harare- Spokesperson for Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC Alliance, Fadzayi Mahere has been granted ZWL$10000 bail by a Harare Magistrates Court.
Mahere is facing charges of publishing falsehoods over the alleged death of a baby at the hands of Zimbabwe Republic Police Officers two week ago. Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala and journalist Hopewell Chin’ono are facing the same charges and have been remanded in custody.
In granting Mahere bail Harare Magistrate Trynos Utahwashe said she is a lawyer who handed herself to the police.
“She is a lawyer and handed herself over to the police well aware of the possible penalty” said Utahwashe
Mahere was ordered to reside at her given address, report to the police station every Friday and surrender her passport. She will be back at the courts on February 23, 2021
She was ordered not to interfere with the woman, Rebecca Musariri, whose nine-month-old child is at the centre of the controversy.
Posting on microblogging twitter MDC Alliance Treasurer-General David Coltart said Mahere should never have spent a single night in cells.
“I am relieved that my friend and colleague @advocatemahere has been granted bail. I am celebrating that she will be reunited with her family but take no delight in this serious miscarriage of justice. She should never have spent a night in cells never mind 7. #persecution,” Coltart tweeted.
UK-based legal expert Alex Magaisa, who has in the past accused Zimbabwean authorities of weaponizing the law against critics, demanded the release of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and MDC Alliance Vice-Chairperson Job Sikhala who were arrested over the same offence.
“There’s undeniable relief that comes with news that a friend @advocatemahere who has been unjustly incarcerated has been freed. She never should have been in there. Still, the relief is qualified by the fact that Job, Hopewell & Alan remain in captivity. They too must be freed” said Magaisa
