By A Correspondent | One of President Nelson Chamisa’s aides, Jameson Timba who is also the caretaker leader of the legitimate Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party has been convicted.

The former cabinet minister during the 2009-2013 Government of National Unity was convicted alongside over 40 activists for participating in an illegal assembly. The arrests stem from an incident on June 16, this year.

The activists, including Timba, were accused of organizing and participating in an unsanctioned gathering. While the nature of the assembly remains contested—some describe it as a peaceful protest advocating for civil rights, while authorities claim it violated public order laws—the court found sufficient grounds to convict.
Amid the convictions, some individuals were acquitted, though the court has not yet disclosed the specific reasoning behind these decisions. The mixed outcome has led to questions about the consistency of evidence and the impartiality of the judicial process.
Timba’s conviction is particularly noteworthy given his prominent role as the assumed caretaker leader of the CCC during Chamisa’s sabbatical. The conviction could have far-reaching implications for the party’s leadership and its position as a key opposition force.
In a statement, the CCC strongly condemned the convictions, describing them as politically motivated.
The sentencing phase, which remains pending, is expected to draw intense scrutiny from both local and international observers. Legal experts have raised concerns about the fairness of the trial and its implications for freedom of assembly and political dissent in the country.
As the political landscape faces further upheaval, the CCC must navigate this critical moment, balancing its leadership dynamics and its ongoing fight for democratic rights. The upcoming sentencing is likely to fuel further debates about the state of justice and political freedoms.-ZimEye