By Jane Mlambo| Opposition leaders and political commentators have expressed concern over the continued abuse of the judiciary to lock up without trial, critical voices against government especially during this COVID-19 period, saying it is only exposing people to the pandemic.

Commenting on revelations by MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere that she had tested positive to COVID-19, Harare North legislator Rusty Markham questioned if government will continue holding on to incarcerated duo of Hopewell Chin’ono and Job Sikhala.

“I note that Advocate Fadzayi Mahere has tested positive, we note that Jacob Mafume was not well in prison. So will government hold Hopewell Chin’ono and Alan moyo in remand till they fall ill?”

Political commentator Dr Pedzisai Ruhanya said pre-trial detentions only served to expose people to COVID-19,

“ZANU PF must stop its pre-trial incarcerations against opposition activists and other citizens. These pre-trial detentions expose people to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

MDC Alliance vice President Tendai Biti had no kind words for the President Emmerson Mnangagwa administration charging that they must take responsibility for Mahere’s situation.

“The regime must take full responsibility of Advocate Mahere s situation . It must take full responsibility of every Zimbabwean who has succumbed to Covid 19 . Misgovernance , cluelessness & recklessness are crimes against humanity,” said Biti.

Mahere spend seven days in detention before she was granted bail on Monday this week while Sikhala, Chin’ono and a ZINASU leader Allan Moyo remain locked up waiting for bail appeal at the High Court.