By Albert Mpofu
Goodman Matanda, a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Official from Gutu Central, has been granted bail after being arrested last week for a confrontation with a member of the notorious pro-ZANU PF group called Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ). The group, allegedly comprising members of the Central Intelligence Organization, has been accused of terrorizing citizens across the country. Matanda was released on bail in the amount of $250 US dollars or $700,000 RTGS at the current bank rate, as confirmed by Advocate Derrick Charamba.
The bail amount, however, has raised concerns, with his fellow lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri describing it as exorbitant. Matanda, aged 51, had spent five days in remand prison in Gutu prior to his release. It is alleged that Matanda assaulted FAZ member Ms. Shamiso Madondo, who is associated with the pro-ZANU PF organization.
Matanda vehemently denies the allegations, maintaining his innocence in the matter. The legal proceedings will continue as both sides present their evidence to the court.
In a separate development, CCC official Patrick Cheza, representing Chirumhanzu South, who was released on bail yesterday alongside five other CCC members, expressed his gratitude to the people of Zimbabwe for their unwavering support and solidarity during his time in custody. He described the false imprisonment as a catalyst that has strengthened his resolve, vowing to continue his cause in the upcoming elections. Cheza is a candidate for the position of Member of Parliament in his constituency and pledged to invest even more effort and resources in securing victory for CCC’s President, Nelson Chamisa, in the Presidential election.
