By Leonnel Mhuka
Delayed justice has long been employed as a tactic by ZANU PF to frustrate political activists and human rights defenders. Through frequent postponements and prolonged legal processes, cases involving these individuals often become drawn-out battles, eroding their resilience and that of their supporters. This has been seen in many court cases involving politicians, activists or opposition supporter where they are kept on remand as as long as five years.
Recently, Harare west, councilor, Denford Ngadziore revealed that him and two others were acquitted by Harare High Court after five years of their passports witheld and weekly police reporting.
This is not an isolated case, on 6 January 2025, the widely followed Glenview 40 case was postponed yet again, with court proceedings now scheduled for 15 and 16 January 2025. The case, which began in August 2023, has seen the accused in and out of courtrooms repeatedly, often with little progress. This extended delay continues to raise questions about the impartiality of the justice system and its use as a tool to suppress opposition voices and human rights defenders.
Change Radio spoke to Senator Vongai Tome, who attended the hearing. Senator Tome highlighted the postponement of another high-profile case involving Bishop Kelvin Nyamakanga and Jacob Ngarivhume, who appeared in court applying for the recusal of their remand, as the state’s witnesses have for several times failed to appear before the courts. The magistrate postponed this case to 21 January 2025. Senator Tome said, “The weaponization of the law continues… We continue to demand justice for these political victims.”
The consistent pattern of delays exposes an issue of judicial manipulation to target opposition voices. For the Glenview 40, the saga represents a protracted legal ordeal, with little to show for the time and resources spent. Senator Tome’s remarks capture the growing frustration among activists: “The state continues with its weaponization of the law.”
In addition to Senator Tome, Change Radio also interviewed Mr. Job Magagani, one of the accused in the Glenview 40 case. He expressed gratitude for the support of Advocate Nelson Chamisa, and encouraged Zimbabweans to remain steadfast. “I urge all citizens to remain resolute and in strong support of our leader Chamisa. Change will come one day,” Magagani said.
The continuous delays in these cases point to a deeper problem of systemic abuse within the judiciary. While the authorities may hope to weaken the resolve of activists and their supporters, the resilience and determination shown by individuals like the Glenview 40 and their allies signal an unwavering commitment to justice and democratic principles.
