High Court Judge Esther Muremba has ordered the immediate release of MDC Alliance legislator for Harare West, Joana Mamombe from Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Mamombe has been detained at Chikurubi Maximum Prison after Magistrate Bianca Makwande placed her under the care of the superintendent at Harare Remand Prison for two weeks to assess her mental problem as stipulated by the Mental Health Act
This came after the state expressed doubt in the claims by Mamombe’s lawyers who told the court that she had developed mental issues, therefore, could not stand trial.
She was due to stand trial for a case in which she is jointly accused with fellow members, Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova, of staging their abduction in May this year.
MDC Alliance national spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere posted on social media announcing the High Court’s decision. She said:
The High Court has ordered the immediate release of Joana Ruvimbo Mamombe from Chikurubi Maximum Prison. The Magistrates’ Court had unlawfully ordered her detention for a mental health assessment. #JusticeForJoana
Mamombe’s continued detention had attracted criticism from the opposition and human rights defenders as well as the international community.
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