Police arrested 98 people who showed up at a rally against President Emmerson Mnangagwa. They appeared before the court on Tuesday, facing charges related to joining an illegal gathering that might spark violence. All these protesters must stay behind bars until April 10, when judges will decide if they can pay bail to go free. The prosecutors fought against letting them out but will write down their reasons first before defense lawyers can answer back.
Most of the group—95 people—went before provincial magistrate Isheunesu Matova. The other three protesters—Moreblessing Nkomo, Jenifer Chimange, and Sthabile Maduve—saw a different judge named Ruth Moyo. Unlike everyone else whom the police grabbed at Robert Mugabe Square during the protest event, these three were picked up at the CoppaCabana bus stop area.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, these protesters met up at Robert Mugabe Square (also called Freedom Square) around 9:20 a.m. on March 31, 2025. They allegedly planned to walk through Harare's streets together and then head to the State House, where they wanted to remove President Mnangagwa from power despite his election under the Constitution.
The prosecutors said these protesters made loud statements about removing the president, shouting phrases like "enough is enough" and "Mnangagwa must go." When police officers arrived at the scene, they saw about 200 people gathered there. The protesters allegedly stacked stones, bricks, and tires along Robert Mugabe road. They reportedly threw rocks at police as they sang anti-authority songs. The group also took pictures and videos that later showed up across various social media platforms.
Most of the group—95 people—went before provincial magistrate Isheunesu Matova. The other three protesters—Moreblessing Nkomo, Jenifer Chimange, and Sthabile Maduve—saw a different judge named Ruth Moyo. Unlike everyone else whom the police grabbed at Robert Mugabe Square during the protest event, these three were picked up at the CoppaCabana bus stop area.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, these protesters met up at Robert Mugabe Square (also called Freedom Square) around 9:20 a.m. on March 31, 2025. They allegedly planned to walk through Harare's streets together and then head to the State House, where they wanted to remove President Mnangagwa from power despite his election under the Constitution.
The prosecutors said these protesters made loud statements about removing the president, shouting phrases like "enough is enough" and "Mnangagwa must go." When police officers arrived at the scene, they saw about 200 people gathered there. The protesters allegedly stacked stones, bricks, and tires along Robert Mugabe road. They reportedly threw rocks at police as they sang anti-authority songs. The group also took pictures and videos that later showed up across various social media platforms.
