Source: The Citizen (South Africa) & African News Agency
Among those who waited for his arrival at the courts was French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Laurent Delahousse.
Arrested Pastor Evan Mawarire, who is behind the calls for a mass stayaway in Zimbabwe, failed to appear in court today as scheduled, reportedly amid fears from the police that hundreds of people who gathered at the Harare Magistrates’ Court in support of him would cause trouble.
Among those who waited for his arrival at the courts was French Ambassador to Zimbabwe Laurent Delahousse.
Promise Mkwananzi, a leader of the #Tajamuka movement, who is out on bail after being charged with inciting violence, told hundreds of sympathisers who thronged the court precinct in solidarity with Mawarire that they should not give up the fight, but instead, invite others to join them at the courts to show support for the cause.
“Mawarire is a representative of citizens, we are here because we are represented by Mawarire, we are here because we don’t know what Mawarire’s crime is,” Mkwananzi said. “We have heard that they took him back to cells because there are so many of us here who have come in solidarity with him.
“The message we want to send home now is we will not tire, we are now calling everyone back home and ask them to join us here until Mawarire is brought to court.”
Mkwananzi said the people had come to show their support and solidarity and not to cause violence and mayhem.
“We are a non-violent people and we are here because our country is in a bad state and we want to send a clear message that we are no longer going to sit and watch, whilst the country perishes,” he said. “So we are here in a very peaceful, non-violent and lawful manner. No one will seize Mawarire from lawful custody.”
He said no one had done anything outside the law and appealed to the police to exercise self-restraint, saying that what the people were doing would benefit everyone, including those in the uniformed forces.
“It has to do with their salaries, the salaries of the soldiers and the salaries of central intelligence organisation details,” he said.
Mawarire’s lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, when contacted around 10:30am, said they were still at the Law and Order Section at Harare Central Police station.
Mawarire was arrested on Tuesday after he had handed himself over to the police and was accused of stealing police helmets and baton sticks which authorities allege were used to incite public violence during the July 6 protests.
According to a search warrant issued by the court on Tuesday, there were reasonable grounds to believe that Mawarire was in possession of the items.
He was expected to appear in court during the course of the day.
– African News Agency (ANA)
Source: The Citizen (South Africa) & African News Agency