Zimbabwe: March 31 Protests - 89 Granted Bail

High Court judge Justice Esther Muremba has granted bail to 89 individuals. They are accused of staging protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa on March 31.

The decision comes after a successful appeal. The magistrates' court had previously denied them bail. Muremba issued a brief court order without providing reasons for her decision.

She stated, "The appeal by all the appellants is hereby allowed." The previous court's denial of bail was set aside. Each accused must deposit US$100 with the Clerk of Court in Harare.

Until the case is resolved, each accused must stay at their listed address. This address was submitted by their counsel during the appeal hearing.

Muremba ordered most accused to report every other Friday. They must report between 6 am and 6 pm at CID Law and Order. However, Joseph Gatsi, Kudzanai Murungweni, Memory Dehwe, and Munyaradzi Kanonama have different reporting stations.

Gatsi will report to Chegutu Police Station. Murungweni will go to Sanyati Police Station. Dehwe must report to Rusape Police Station, while Kanonama goes to Glendale Police Station.

All suspects were instructed not to interfere with investigations. Their lawyers included Kossam Ncube, Douglas Coltart, Jeremiah Bamu, and Gift Mutisi from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. Some suspects had already received bail from the High Court earlier.