STATE DELAYS COURT PAPERS IN TIMBA CASE, KEEPING ACCUSED IN DETENTION
The state has failed to submit its court papers in response to an application for discharge by veteran opposition leader Jameson Timba and 77 others. They were detained after the state closed its case on Monday. This delay is likely to cause the case to be postponed yet again, which means that the accused will remain in detention for longer. Jameson Timba’s son, Ndapuwa Shaun, also filed his own separate application for discharge. Both of these applications were made at the end of the state’s case. The court is expected to make a ruling today, but the state’s failure to file its papers on time may cause further delays.
Defence lawyers had submitted their application for discharge early on Monday morning, right after the state had closed its case. The court then ordered the prosecutors, Lance Mutsokoti and Sheila Mupindu, to submit their response by Wednesday at 11 am. This would have allowed the court to deliver its ruling today at 2:15 pm. However, the state did not file its response by the deadline. In fact, the state only submitted its response today, much later than expected. As a result, the defence will have to respond orally.The situation is tense as Jameson Timba, a prominent opposition leader, and 78 others were arrested at his home on Downie Avenue in Avondale, Harare, on June 16. They were accused of holding an illegal gathering with the intent to promote violence. This was just before the recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Harare. The charges are serious, and the delay in court proceedings is causing concern.
The delay by the state is being seen as an attempt to drag out the case, keeping the accused in detention for a longer period. This tactic has been criticized by many, as it seems to go against the principles of justice and fairness. The accused have already spent a significant amount of time in detention, and any further delays only add to their suffering.
There is also concern that the state’s delay is part of a larger strategy to weaken the opposition. Jameson Timba is a well-known figure in Zimbabwean politics, and his detention, along with that of 78 others, has drawn a lot of attention. The case is being closely watched, and any further delays could have serious implications for the state of justice in the country. The court is now in a difficult position. On one hand, it needs to ensure that justice is served. On the other hand, it must also deal with the fact that the state has failed to meet its deadlines. This could lead to a postponement of the ruling, which would keep the accused in detention even longer.
The defence is expected to respond orally to the state’s late submission, but it is unclear what the outcome will be. The court’s ruling, expected later today, could either bring an end to this long ordeal or prolong it even further. As the situation stands, the delay in the state’s response has already caused a great deal of frustration and uncertainty. The accused, their families, and their supporters are all waiting anxiously for the court’s decision. The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on the future of Zimbabwean politics and the state of justice in the country.
In the meantime, Jameson Timba and the 78 others remain in detention, waiting for the court’s ruling. The state’s failure to file its papers on time has added yet another layer of complexity to an already complicated and highly charged case. The next few hours will be critical in determining what happens next.
