Free Madzibaba VeShanduko: The injustice of jailing a man for free speech - by Vengai Mutsawu

 23rd February 2026

Free Madzibaba VeShanduko: The injustice of jailing a man for free speech

By Vengai Mutsawu

As of today, February 23, 2026, the case of Godfrey Karembera, the Zimbabwean opposition activist widely known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, stands as a stark and troubling symbol of the state’s crackdown on dissent.

Here is an innocent man, incarcerated for no legitimate crime, caught in the gears of a justice system used to silence government critics. This article chronicles the details of his arrest, the controversial charges against him, and the ongoing campaign for his release.

Godfrey Karembera, a 47-year-old staunch supporter of former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, is not new to confrontation with the authorities. His journey as an activist has been marked by repeated run-ins with the law and tragic personal attacks. In April 2025, his family home in Guruve was petrol bombed by unknown assailants. While Karembera was not home, his 17-year-old son, Laxmore, was injured rescuing younger siblings as the family’s property was reduced to ashes.

His history with the police includes a 2022 arrest for allegedly calling officers “dogs” and for wearing yellow clothing associated with the opposition CCC party. In another case in 2023, he was removed from remand after his lawyers successfully argued that the state was unfairly delaying his trial on charges of trying to deface a statue, highlighting a pattern of legal challenges that have ultimately failed to hold up in court.

The current chapter of Karembera’s troubles began in October 2025. Police launched a manhunt for him, alleging he had fled during a high-speed chase while distributing fliers in the Harare suburbs of Machipisa, Glen View, and Budiriro. However, the circumstances of his eventual arrest paint a far darker picture than a simple traffic stop.

According to his lawyer, Paida Saurombe, and human rights organizations, Karembera was not simply arrested. He was first abducted by unidentified men in unmarked vehicles, tortured for several hours, and only later dumped at Harare Central Police Station.

When he appeared in court, his lawyer stated that his “body bears the marks of severe abuse”.

Amnesty International has previously condemned such actions, noting that attacks on opposition figures are “meant to intimidate political opposition supporter”.

The charges against Karembera stem from the planned “One Million Men March,” an ant-government demonstration called for 17 October 2025, by outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza. The protest was aimed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing his administration of betrayal, corruption, and looting.

The state alleges that Karembera conspired to incite the public to participate in this unsanctioned gathering. Prosecutors claim he printed and distributed fliers bearing messages like “STOP THE LOOTNG,” and “ZIMBABWE IS NOT FOR SALE,” and “ONE MILLION MAN MARCH”.

Additionally, he is accused of recording a video urging citizens to gather at Africa Unity Square and posting it on WhatsApp and Facebook.

His legal team argues these actions are simply forms of political expression, not crimes. When his lawyer challenged his placement on remand as unlawful, Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai dismissed the application, and Karembera was denied bail. The case has since become a legal quagmire. In a significant development, on February 10, 2026, another magistrate, Ruth Moyo, was forced to recuse herself from his bail application after the defence alleged bias, arguing that Karembera had “lost confidence in the impartiality of the court”.

Karembera’s case does not exist in a vacuum. He is one of at least ten, including war veterans, who were denied bail in connection with the same October protests. His detention is viewed by rights groups as part of a “fresh wave of abductions and torture” aimed at silencing critics of President Mnangagwa’s alleged plot to extend his rule beyond 2028 constitutional limit.

The state has signalled it may also use the controversial Patriotic Act, a 2023 law with vague wording that criminalizes conduct deemed to injure the national interest, which critics argue is designed to “enable abuse and suppress legitimate political organising”.

As the months in custody stretch on, the call for his release has grown louder. A recent opinion piece published on February 11, 2026, was titled simply: “Free Madzibaba VeShanduko: A man who committed no crime must not die in prison”. The sentiment encapsulates the view of his supporters, who see him as a political prisoner.

For now, Godfrey Karembera remains in remand prison. His fate is scheduled to be decided on February 24, 2026, when the case goes to trial. Until then, his case remains a powerful and troubling test of Zimbabwe’s commitment to justice, human rights and the freedom of expression.

#FreeGodfreyKaremberaNow

#FreeMadzibabaVeShanduko

#FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners

#HumanRights

#Zimbabwe

About the author
Vengai Mutsawu is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is the Secretary of the UK Chapter and Chairperson of the North Branch of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at vengai.mutsawu@rohr-zimbabwe.org or vengaimutsawu1@yahoo.com

The 2030 Agenda: A Death Knell for Zimbabwean Democracy? - by Elizabeth Chitengo

 23^rd February 2026

The 2030 Agenda: A Death Knell for Zimbabwean Democracy?

By Elizabeth Chitengo

The mask has slipped. What we are witnessing is no longer just "governance"—it is a desperate, iron-
fisted campaign by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF to mutilate the constitution and entrench a lifelong autocracy under the guise of the "2030 Agenda."

The Machinery of Fear

The regime is no longer even pretending to respect the rule of law. Instead, it has unleashed a systematic wave of state-sponsored terror against anyone brave enough to stand in the way of a third term. To speak out against these constitutional amendments is to paint a target on your back.

We are seeing a resurgence of the darkest tactics in the ZANU-PF playbook:

 * Targeted Abductions: Dissenting voices are being snatched from the streets, subjected to enforced disappearances that leave families in agony.

 * Judicial Weaponization: Activists aren't just arrested; they are persecuted, denied medical care, and languish in cells without trial.

 * Calculated Brutality: Assault and intimidation have become the primary tools for "persuading" the public to accept a mandate that was never granted.

A Republic Held Hostage

This isn’t just a "weakening" of democratic foundations—it is a demolition. By suffocating public debate through violence, the authorities are admitting they cannot win an argument on merit. A government that fears its own people is a government that has lost its legitimacy.

The "climate of fear" currently paralyzing our streets is the ultimate indictment of the Mnangagwa administration. When the law is applied as a weapon against the opposition while shielding the corrupt elite, the "rule of law" becomes a hollow joke.

Enough is Enough

We are past the point of polite appeals. We demand an immediate cessation of the state-sponsored thuggery and the release of all political prisoners. The constitution is not a rough draft for ZANU-PF’s convenience; it is the soul of our nation.

The verdict is clear:

 * No to the illegal extension of presidential terms.

 * No to the subversion of the people's will.

 * No to the 2030 Agenda.

National progress cannot be built on a foundation of shallow graves and broken bones. Zimbabwe’s future belongs to its citizens, not to a ruling clique obsessed with power at any cost.

#NoTo2030Agenda

About the author
Elizabeth Chitengo is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. She is a member of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  She can be contacted by email at elizabethchitengo98@gmail.com

END OF YEAR MESSAGE – ROHR ZIMBABWE

2025: A Year of Challenges and Resilience

2025—what a year!

We had hoped to deliver a message filled with optimism, but the harsh realities in Zimbabwe compel us to speak truthfully about the ongoing struggles.

Repressive Laws and Lawfare

Throughout 2025, the ZANU-PF-led government further consolidated power through repressive legislation and tactics, significantly shrinking democratic space. Existing laws—such as the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), the Cyber and Data Protection Act of 2021, and the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Amendment Act of 2023 (the "Patriotic Act")—were already highly restrictive. Yet, on 11 April 2025, the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act (Act No. 1 of 2025) was enacted, marking a further step toward authoritarian governance by tightening controls on civic organisations and undermining democratic foundations.

The government also intensified its use of "lawfare" to suppress dissent: prolonged pre-trial detention, extended court battles after bail, financial burdens, and efforts to erode activists' resolve. A stark example is journalist Blessed Mhlanga's 72-day pre-trial detention. Arrested on 24 February 2025 for interviewing war veteran Blessed Geza—who had called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's resignation—Mhlanga was granted bail on 6 May 2025 and released on 7 May due to processing delays.

Our Campaigns and Activism

Despite these challenges, ROHR Zimbabwe, both independently and in collaboration with partner human rights organisations, remained steadfast in advocating for the restoration of human rights.

• Campaigns: We led a sustained, successful effort to secure Blessed Mhlanga's release, highlighting his case daily on social media until his freedom was secured.
  
  
• Demonstrations: In partnership with ZHRO, ZAPU, and three CCC formations, we mobilised and participated in a protest in London on 17 June 2025 against Auxillia Mnangagwa's invitation to speak at the F.L.A.I.R. Summit. We informed organisers, speakers, guests, and the wider public that she represents the pinnacle of corruption within a kleptocratic system that has plundered Zimbabwe's resources. We highlighted the collapsed healthcare system as a direct consequence, noting the stark contrast between lavish spending (such as over US$37,000 on her summit travel) and the lack of basic resources in hospitals amid severe challenges in maternal health. Our actions contributed to her eventual non-attendance. We proceeded with the demonstration at the venue to ensure accountability and guard against any last-minute changes.
  
  
• Engagements: On 20 March 2025, representatives from our collaborative network (including ZHRO, ZAPU, and three CCC formations) met senior officials at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London. The British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Peter Vowles, joined briefly despite his demanding schedule.
  
  
• Internal Meetings: The Board of Trustees and Executive committees across our UK Chapter organs held regular scheduled meetings. Branches also convened monthly, either virtually via Zoom or in person.

Humanitarian Efforts

We mobilised vital support for those in need:

• Members generously contributed funds, which were sent directly to Blessed Mhlanga's family during his detention.
  
  
• Branches continued ongoing initiatives, including providing ointments and raising awareness for albinism relief in Manicaland, and collecting sanitary ware and bedding for Bulawayo Shelter, a charity supporting the destitute.
  
  
• We also raised funds for bereaved members, including contributions toward the burial of our late member, Chipo Komboni, who passed away in July 2025 after a short illness.

Social Media and Public Engagement

Social media remained our primary platform for amplifying human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. Through Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), our activists generated significant pressure, contributing to outcomes such as Blessed Mhlanga's release and Auxillia Mnangagwa's withdrawal from the F.L.A.I.R. Summit. Many members also shared insightful opinion pieces on our Blogspot, fostering broader societal dialogue on human rights in Zimbabwe.

Conclusion

With activists inside Zimbabwe increasingly silenced by the regime's tactics, the responsibility falls heavily on the diaspora to serve as the voice of the voiceless. We embrace this duty with honour and determination.

The Board of Trustees, the UK Chapter Executive Committee, and the Executive Committees of our Scotland, North, and Midlands branches of the UK Chapter extend heartfelt thanks to all members, supporters and sympathisers for your unwavering activism, unity, and generosity throughout 2025.

We wish you and all our stakeholders a prosperous and hopeful New Year.

The struggle continues.

END

 

The International Day of Non-Violence with Zimbabwe in Mind – by Tawanda Matangambiri

2^nd October 2025

“In these dangerous and divided times, let us find the strength to follow his lead, end the suffering, advance diplomacy, heal divisions, and create a just, sustainable and peaceful world for all.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

 “There are many causes that I am prepared to die for, but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.” – Mahatma Gandhi

October 2 marks the International Day of Non-Violence, commemorating the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India’s independence movement and a pioneer of non-violent resistance.

This day is dedicated to spreading the message of peace, with a special emphasis on education and increasing public awareness. Figures such as Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. embodied the power of non-violent struggle, leading movements like Gandhi’s Salt March and King’s Birmingham Bus Boycott to challenge oppression and injustice without resorting to violence.

In Zimbabwe, however, violence has sadly become entrenched in civic and political life. Activists are arrested for speaking out, and our democracy is on life support. Many Zimbabweans feel suffocated, searching for ways to be heard without resorting to violence.

Opposition members and activists have repeatedly faced incarceration, abduction, harassment, and even death for daring to express themselves. Election periods, in particular, have been marred by violence, intimidation, and systematic suppression. ZANU-PF supporters have routinely disrupted opposition rallies, threatened citizens, and created a climate of fear that stifles free political participation.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police, entrusted to protect the people, have instead applied the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (2019) selectively—blocking opposition rallies while freely permitting ZANU-PF gatherings.

It is disheartening that Zimbabweans have been abandoned, left with no impartial institutions to turn to. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has consolidated power by capturing the government, police, army, and nearly every public institution, leaving citizens vulnerable and voiceless.

But Zimbabwe does not need another armed liberation struggle to reclaim dignity and human rights. What our nation needs is collective maturity—an embrace of peace, democracy, and human rights as the foundations of our future.

Without a government that respects democratic values, and without citizens actively safeguarding them, the principles of non-violence risk being eroded, replaced by authoritarianism. Yet our last hope lies in unity: Zimbabweans must come together to end the rule of Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF, proving that real change can be achieved without violence.

Let us choose to be instruments of peace and non-violence. Let us demonstrate to those in power what it means to be both human and humane.

#SayNoToViolence
#Peace
#Unity

About the author
Tawanda Matangambiri is a human rights activist based in the United Kingdom. He is a member of the UK Chapter of Restoration of Human Rights (ROHR) Zimbabwe.  He can be contacted by email at matangambiritawanda@gmail.com