By Wezhira Munya
The Bikita West Citizens Coalition for Change [CCC] reported that Mr. Pride Munhungei, aged 24, was arrested yesterday in Bikita.
[On the picture the accused person is wearing blue working suit jacket and his lawyer in orange / cold t-shirt]
The picture was taken outside the court after Mr. Munhungei was released from police custody today.
He was then transferred to Masvingo Central Criminal Investigation Department [CID] police station, where he spent a night in cold police cells.
His case CR Reference is Bikita 103/07/23.
He is being represented by top human rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri from Masvingo urban.
Advocate Mureri said, “My client, Mr. Pride Munhungei, was released from police custody after we went to court this morning. The state will proceed by way of summons.”
According to court papers, Zanu-PF members, namely Josephine Runoguda and Mose Baku, alleged that Pride Munhungei tore Zanu PF posters on 24th July 2023. Zanu PF member Douglas Chibharo is also a witness in this case.
According to Mr John Mupanduki, Josephine Runoguda is Forever Associates of Zimbabwe [FAZ] member. Zanu PF member Douglas Chibharo is also a witness in this case.
However, Mr. Munhungei denies the allegation of tearing the poster. He said Zanu PF members are lying about him tearing the posters.
Commenting on the arrest of Mr. Munhungei, CCC Bikita West member Mr. John Mupanduki said, “I am disappointed that the police only arrest CCC members when Zanu PF members report cases. Mr. Munhungei is innocent; Zanu PF members are lying, and this arrest is made to instil fear in CCC members.”
In addition, Mr Struggle Desire Nyahunda, who attended court in solidarity with Mr. Munhungei, said, “It’s painful for Mr. Munhungei to sleep in police custody for a matter he did not do. It’s unfair to suffer for any offence you did not commit.”
