23rd February 2026
Free
Madzibaba VeShanduko: The injustice of jailing a man for free speech
By Vengai
Mutsawu
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
