Timba and 34 CCC activists given suspended sentences in Zimbabwe

The Regional Magistrate in Harare, Collet Ncube, handed down suspended sentences to CCC Administrator James Timba and 34 others for taking part in an unlawful assembly.

Timba and another defendant received two-year suspended prison sentences, while the other defendants received varying suspended sentences. The male defendants were sentenced to 16 months, the female defendants to 14 months and the juvenile defendants to 12 months, all suspended for five years.

The Court recognised that the defendants were first-time offenders who deserved a second chance.

 Ncube said: ‘It is significant that the offenders have been in custody since June and have already served their sentences. Their current detention should be factored into their sentence. Poverty is no excuse for committing crimes, but most offenders are poor,’ 

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The public prosecutor, Lancelot Mutsokoti, presented evidence that on 16 June this year, at around 2pm, the police were informed of an unauthorised gathering at Timba’s residence. This meeting was allegedly called to organise illegal demonstrations in Harare.

Upon arrival, the police heard a commotion and observed a large crowd. Back-up was called when the suspects became riotous, throwing stones at a police vehicle, which was slightly damaged.