Yesterday 9 Masvingo residents appeared in court for the sixth time to answer charges on contravening section 37 of the Criminal Law Codification which prohibits unlawful gathering with intent to bring about public despondency. This follows their demand and press on the City fathers to supply the residents with water as the town had gone for close to four months without water.
It is the state case that on the 23rd of April this year, the nine (names withheld) went to the city council offices with 5 bucket containers which they were using as drums, began to sing songs and chanting slogans denouncing the authorities.
The defense led by Martin Mureri of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) is denying these allegations and have long since applied for case dismissal but to no avail. The trial is still continuing and the magistrate, Mbonisi Ndlovu is anticipated to pass judgment on the 24th of September.
The Zimbabwe constitution guarantees everyone the right to safe, clean water and sanitation for them to live a dignified life. Water is very important for a healthy life.
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