By Takudzwa Changadeya
Harare – The Harare Magistrates’ Court has delayed ruling on a defence application involving Robson Chere, the Secretary General of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), and others accused of disorderly conduct.
The decision has been postponed to December 18, as the State requested more time to respond.
ARTUZ in a social media statement announced the development saying: “Our Secretary Robson Chere, along with Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi, Emmanuel Sitima, Phylis Pikitai, and others, was in court today facing unfair charges of disorderly conduct.
“These charges stem from his abduction at the airport on 31 July, his torture, and 35 days of illegal detention. Justice delayed is justice denied,” the statement read.
The allegations date back to July 31, 2024, when Chere, along with activists Kwekweza and Gwenzi, was forcibly removed from an airplane at Robert Mugabe International Airport.
They were heading to a conference in Victoria Falls when they were detained by authorities.
The trio was charged under Section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification & Reform) Act for allegedly participating in an unsanctioned demonstration at the Harare Magistrates’ Court in June.
The protest demanded the release of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Jameson Timba and other detained opposition members.
Chere, Kwekweza, and Gwenzi have denied the charges, labeling them as unjustified.
Last month, the court ordered the release and return of electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops, that were confiscated during their arrest.
Lawyers from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, representing the activists, successfully argued for the devices’ return.
The activists have accused authorities of abduction, torture, and illegal detention, with Chere reportedly held for 35 days before being released.