In a stunning turn of events, Jacob Ngarivhume, the leader of the Transform Zimbabwe party, has been acquitted by the High Court after spending a year incarcerated at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.
Ngarivhume had been convicted on charges of incitement to cause public violence.
Represented by prominent constitutional lawyer Lovemore Madhuku, Ngarivhume lodged an appeal challenging both his conviction and sentence. The appeal was heard by High Court judges of appeal, Pisirayi Kwenda and Fatima Maxwell, who ultimately upheld Ngarivhume’s appeal, leading to his acquittal.
While the judges only provided a summary of their ruling during the court session, stating that the full judgment would be released in due course, they did indicate that the decision was based on their assessment that the State had failed to establish a prima facie case against the opposition politician. This critical finding highlights the insufficiency of evidence presented by the prosecution.
The saga began on April 28 when Ngarivhume was convicted based on the State’s claims that he had spearheaded the July 31 Movement and used his online platform to incite the public to protest against fuel price hikes and the prevailing economic hardships in the country. However, with the court’s acquittal, Ngarivhume has now been absolved of these charges, and his imprisonment has come to an end.
The ruling has sparked intrigue and speculation among legal experts, political commentators, and the general public, with many eagerly awaiting the release of the comprehensive judgment. Ngarivhume’s acquittal carries significant implications not only for his own personal freedom but also for the broader political landscape in Zimbabwe.
The ruling offers hope to other activists and opposition figures who have faced similar charges, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.
