Court Officers Accused of Favoritism After Passion Java Enters Court Inappropriately Dressed
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is facing criticism over alleged favoritism in the enforcement of dress code rules after US-based cleric Passion Java donned Gucci slides at the Harare Magistrates Court. Java’s appearance at the court was to show support for his friend Mike Chimombe and business partner Moses Mpofu, who are both facing charges related to defrauding the government in a failed Presidential Goat Scheme.
The bail hearing for Chimombe and Mpofu has been ongoing, with the proceedings being deferred to Tuesday, resulting in their continued custody. The incident at the court has sparked a debate about the perceived preferential treatment given to individuals based on their status and influence.
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A video shared on social media showed Passion Java arriving at the court premises wearing Gucci slides, a fashion choice that raised eyebrows and generated significant attention. Prominent lawyer and High Court Advocate Fadzayi Mahere was among those who took notice of Java’s attire and highlighted that such clothing is typically not permitted within the court environment.
“Mapata-pata ayo aren’t allowed in court. We call on @PoliceZimbabwe to enforce court dress equally. You can’t have one rule for mbinga and another rule for ordinary people. If it was a relative of one of the #CCC78 wearing slides to court, they’d be turned away. Musaite rusarura mari,” Mahere posted on X.
🟣Mapata-pata ayo aren’t allowed in court. We call on @PoliceZimbabwe to enforce court dress equally. You can’t have one rule for mbinga and another rule for ordinary people. If it was a relative of one of the #CCC78 wearing slides to court, they’d be turned away. Musaite… https://t.co/2PueZSxMrT
— Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 (@advocatemahere) July 2, 2024
Mahere’s public criticism of the ZRP focused on the selective application of dress code regulations, with a suggestion that Java’s celebrity status might have influenced the leniency shown towards him. This observation has prompted a wider discussion regarding the consistent implementation of rules and regulations within the judicial system, particularly concerning the attire allowed in court.
The incident has evoked varied reactions within the Zimbabwean community and has drawn attention to broader issues of fairness and equality before the law. It has also raised questions about the potential impact of one’s social standing on the treatment received within the legal system.
Zimbabweans in the comments section concurred with Mahere’s criticism, expressing their frustration with the perceived preferential treatment afforded to the wealthy and influential. Here are some of the reactions:
@BaMtetwa:
Mari inoremera vanhu kani. Mbinga dzoita diro mu Zimbabwe kubata nyika neutungamiri kuti dzvii….
@LisbonTahwineyi:
Why is @PoliceZimbabwe not chasing everyone like they do when its Timba bail hearing??
@Chefflashy2:
I wanted to ask the same thing when I saw this video earlier on
