By Wezhira Munya
The Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC] aspiring member of parliament for Chivi South, Hon. Danisai Chokondere, who was arrested on 19th July 2023, has been set free today.
See picture of Advocate Chirairo and his client, Hon. Chokondere (wearing jean trousers), after he was released from custody
He is being represented by prominent Masvingo-based lawyer and Human Rights defender, Advocate Frank Chirairo.
Advocate Chirairo was part of the CCC members who wanted to represent the CCC party as Masvingo West ward 2 councillor. However, the CCC party selected Ms. Shantel Chiwara as its representative.
Commenting on this case, Advocate Chirairo said, “Indeed, Mr. Danisai Chokondere, CCC Chivi South aspiring member of parliament, has been released and will appear in court on 2nd August 2023.”
He (Advocate Chirairo) further said, “We appeared before the prosecutors and did not appear in court because we argued [pleaded] that, since it’s a 2015 case, he should not be arraigned in court.”
Advocate Chirairo further stated that, “We strongly believe that it’s a political matter where the complainant is being used by someone to lay false allegations against the CCC aspiring member of parliament for Chivi South.”
Hon. Chokondere was arrested at 9 pm at Nyahombe business centre while coming from President Nelson Chamisa’s rally at Mandamabwe Business Centre.
Police took him to Ngundu police station, about 20 km from where he was arrested.
Mr. Tizirai Pedzisai, a Zanu PF member, reported CCC aspiring member of parliament, Mr. Chokondere, to the police.
It is alleged that in 2015, Hon. Chokondere stole Mr. Pedzisai’s cow.
However, Hon. Chokondere denies the allegations, citing that in 2015, he was in South Africa.
Hon. Chokondere was transferred to Tringle and then Chiredzi under heavy police guard.
He has been in cold police cells for the past two days.
Hon. Chokondere said, “My detention was planned by Zanu PF members to disrupt our campaign.”
He thanked his lawyer, President Chamisa, and the CCC party for the support during these difficult moments.
