High Court Overturn Ruling Against Zim Author

By Staff Reporter

Harare- The High Court has reversed Renowned author, Tsitsi Dangarembga’s conviction made last year by the Magistrate Court for inciting public violence through a peaceful street demonstration against government corruption in 2020.

Dangarembga was arrested in July 2020 together with her neighbour, Julie Barns for holding a peaceful protest in Harare’s Borrowdale suburb.

The two were later convicted and fined ZW$70,000 in September last year by a Harare magistrate Barbra Mateko over the matter.

She appealed both conviction and sentence.

High Court judges of appeal Happias Zhou and Benjamin Chikowero ruled that Mateko was wrong in convicting and fining the two before setting aside the conviction.

Dangarembga was represented by Advocate Harrison Nkomo and Chris Mhike.

Their arrest was followed by months of deprivation of freedom through bail conditions and court hearings, leading to conviction in the Harare Magistrates’ Court.

The conviction was of the charge, intent to cause public violence, breach of the peace or acts of bigotry.

Dangarembga said the conviction was a blatant miscarriage of justice having a rejuvenated mind and perception of the High Court and added that it should continue serving the people of Zimbabwe.

“I am most encouraged that the High Court shows respect for the law of Zimbabwe as it is codified and I pray the High Court continues to serve the people of Zimbabwe by doing so.

“At the same time, I am mindful that the modus operandi of the Harare Magistrates’ Court continues to appear to be a practice of weaponisation of the law by the Zanu PF organisation that presides over Zimbabwean citizens,” added Dangarembga.