A total of 95 individuals in Zimbabwe were detained after a large-scale demonstration on March 31, 2025, at Robert Mugabe Square (also known as Freedom Square) in Harare.
The protesters reportedly attempted to march toward the State House, demanding the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa from office.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Court records reviewed by this publication detail the charges, evidence submitted by the prosecution, and the police’s arguments against granting bail.
Protest Details and Allegations
According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) documents, the demonstration commenced around 9:20 AM, with participants intending to march through the city toward the State House. Authorities allege the objective of the march was to “forcefully oust the constitutionally elected president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
During the demonstration, participants reportedly chanted slogans such as:
- “Enough is enough! Mnangagwa must step down!”
- “ED must go, along with his loyalists!”
- “Madzibaba Weshanduko, come lead us! Comrade Geza, take charge!”
Law enforcement officials estimated the crowd at approximately 200 people. Some demonstrators allegedly threw stones, bricks, and tyres at police officers while chanting in defiance. Authorities further claim that parts of the protest were recorded and disseminated on social media platforms.
Testimony from a CID Officer
A sworn statement from Detective Sergeant Lovemore Chisi, a veteran of the Criminal Investigation Department’s Law and Order unit in Harare, forms a key component of the prosecution’s case. With over 14 years of experience, including eight in investigative roles, Chisi asserts that opposition figures Godfrey Karembera and Blessed Runesu Geza orchestrated the protest.
Chisi opposes bail on several grounds:
- The accused face serious allegations under Section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which carries a potential five-year prison sentence.
- The accused were members of a WhatsApp group called “Nyokayemabhunu”, where some allegedly made threats against law enforcement officers.
- Authorities believe the accused may reoffend, as their stated objective—removing the president—remains unfulfilled.
- Additional suspects remain at large, and releasing those in custody could hinder further arrests.
- Police claim that witnesses may be intimidated if the accused are released.
Bail Concerns and Additional Evidence
In an official bail opposition form, law enforcement reinforced their arguments:
- Some of the accused have past convictions or are currently facing legal proceedings.
- Due to the gravity of the charges, authorities fear the accused might flee the country.
- The alleged mastermind behind the WhatsApp group, Knox Chiwer, reportedly used a South African-registered phone number, complicating cross-border investigations.
- Investigators expect 20 witnesses to testify and have set April 15, 2025, as the deadline to conclude their probe.
Formal Charges and Key Evidence
The detained individuals face charges of “participating in a gathering with intent to incite violence, disrupt public order, or promote hostility” under the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Prosecutors are relying on three main types of evidence:
- Positive identification of the accused at the protest.
- Social media activity linked to the Nyokayemabhunu WhatsApp group.
- Testimonies from eyewitnesses.
Notably, there have been no reports of looting or property damage linked to the protest.
Arrest Details
Police records indicate:
- 94 individuals were apprehended at the protest site.
- The 95th accused person was arrested at home after being identified from online videos and circulated images.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The mass arrests have sparked concerns over political repression and economic instability. Civil society groups have voiced alarm at the scale of the detentions and the severity of the charges. Although opposition parties have yet to issue formal statements, social media discussions have been rife with accusations of growing authoritarianism.
Legal analysts warn that invoking Section 37(1)(a)(i), a broad provision concerning public order offences, could significantly impact Zimbabweans’ right to peaceful assembly.
This remains a developing story. Further updates will be provided as new details emerge regarding the accused, the alleged organisers, and the state’s legal approach.
