Political Reporter

Members of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) caused a scene at the Bindura Civil Court yesterday, disturbing the court's proceedings with their violent conduct.

The CCC members were waiting to hear Magistrate Mary Musika's verdict on the CCC challenge to uplift the ban on their rally. The rally was forbidden by the police on the grounds that the proposed venue had no access roads, water, and ablution facilities.

During the court proceedings, CCC members led by one Godfrey Karembera, also known as Madzibaba ve Shanduko, gathered at the Court’s gate and started shouting derogatory words at the police. Some of them were visibly drunk.

The Police were forced to intervene to calm the violent members. After the police failed to rein in violent CCC members who were baying for the Magistrate’s blood, the CCC Bindura North candidate later came and begged the supporters to calm down while promising to buy them lunch.

Political commentator, Terrence Chipwanya said that the CCC’s violent conduct was worrying and urged that party’s leadership to preach peace and political tolerance ahead of the elections.

"The violence exhibited by CCC members at the Bindura Civil Court is a worrying development. It shows that political tension in Zimbabwe is rising. It is important for CCC to exercise restraint and avoid violence. The CCC should know that violence does not pay. Its members should learn from Job Sikhala, who incited violence and got arrested,” said Chipwanya.

Meanwhile, in her verdict, Magistrate Musika upheld the police ban on the rally, saying that the proposed venue had no access roads, water, or ablution facilities. She insisted that CCC should timely notify the police of their rallies and communicate with venue organisers on time to avoid inconveniences.