Sibanda was arrested in Beitbridge in mid-August 2024, a
day after the conclusion of the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit.
He was transferred to Harare Central Police Station and
subsequently appeared before the Harare Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate
Marehwanazvo Gofa denied him bail.
Sibanda faced charges of inciting public violence after the
state alleged that he posted on his X account: “Unless the SADC creates a
platform where the heads of State will engage Zimbabweans on the SEOM [SADC
Electoral Observer Mission] report and other issues, we will create a platform
to meet with them on the streets of Harare.”
Sibanda has been in detention for the past three weeks.
In his ruling, Justice Chikowero stated that Magistrate
Gofa had misdirected herself by denying Sibanda bail.
As part of his bail conditions, Sibanda was ordered to
deposit US$300 (or its equivalent in Zimbabwean dollars), not to interfere with
state witnesses, and to reside at his place of residence.
He was represented by Alec Muchadehama from the Zimbabwe
Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR). CITE
