Police found most of the 107 people arrested after Monday's protests by checking their WhatsApp group and social media posts. They belonged to an online chat called Nyokayemabhunu, where members planned different disruptive acts together. These included throwing stones at officers, blocking streets with burning tires, and shouting against the government in public places.
Law enforcement agents managed to access the secret messages in this group chat. They discovered detailed plans for creating public disorder throughout the city. The alleged leader of these activities, Knox Chiwero, ran the group using a phone number registered in South Africa. This foreign connection raised questions about possible outside involvement in the recent unrest.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi announced that they continue searching for additional suspects connected to these events. His team has already identified more people through their digital footprints and message history. He stated clearly that social media played a major role in organizing these illegal activities across communities. The suspects even used online platforms to threaten residents who refused to join them.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority recently warned about cyberbullying in Zimbabwe. They reminded citizens that sending harmful or intimidating messages carries serious legal consequences. Under Section 4 of the Criminal Law, anyone found guilty faces up to ten years in prison, financial penalties, or both punishments combined.
Commissioner Nyathi promised that police will take strong action against anyone hiding criminal behavior behind protests. Officers remain stationed at key locations to prevent further problems. He thanked the public for maintaining peace during recent attempts by certain groups to spark violence on March 31, 2025. The country stays peaceful, and business continues as usual nationwide.
Officers arrested 107 people across Zimbabwe for joining violent, unauthorized demonstrations. Most arrests happened at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square in Harare. Nyathi urged citizens to ignore social media calls promoting violence or illegal gatherings aimed at stealing or causing damage. He emphasized that law enforcement will punish everyone involved, regardless of their excuses.
Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court that these individuals gathered at Robert Mugabe Square around 9:20 am on March 31 as part of larger disruption plans. Several participants recorded videos and took pictures they later shared online to encourage more unrest. Police caught 94 people right at the scene and found others at their homes after identifying them from online footage.
The court expects written submissions from both sides starting Tuesday, with bail decisions scheduled for April 10. Four additional men from Chitungwiza appeared separately on charges of burning vehicles at businesses in several areas last Friday. Last Matarutse, Abel Jobe, Kizito Chinhanga, and Thomas Chanetsa face property damage charges and must apply for bail at the High Court.
Law enforcement agents managed to access the secret messages in this group chat. They discovered detailed plans for creating public disorder throughout the city. The alleged leader of these activities, Knox Chiwero, ran the group using a phone number registered in South Africa. This foreign connection raised questions about possible outside involvement in the recent unrest.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi announced that they continue searching for additional suspects connected to these events. His team has already identified more people through their digital footprints and message history. He stated clearly that social media played a major role in organizing these illegal activities across communities. The suspects even used online platforms to threaten residents who refused to join them.
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority recently warned about cyberbullying in Zimbabwe. They reminded citizens that sending harmful or intimidating messages carries serious legal consequences. Under Section 4 of the Criminal Law, anyone found guilty faces up to ten years in prison, financial penalties, or both punishments combined.
Commissioner Nyathi promised that police will take strong action against anyone hiding criminal behavior behind protests. Officers remain stationed at key locations to prevent further problems. He thanked the public for maintaining peace during recent attempts by certain groups to spark violence on March 31, 2025. The country stays peaceful, and business continues as usual nationwide.
Officers arrested 107 people across Zimbabwe for joining violent, unauthorized demonstrations. Most arrests happened at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square in Harare. Nyathi urged citizens to ignore social media calls promoting violence or illegal gatherings aimed at stealing or causing damage. He emphasized that law enforcement will punish everyone involved, regardless of their excuses.
Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court that these individuals gathered at Robert Mugabe Square around 9:20 am on March 31 as part of larger disruption plans. Several participants recorded videos and took pictures they later shared online to encourage more unrest. Police caught 94 people right at the scene and found others at their homes after identifying them from online footage.
The court expects written submissions from both sides starting Tuesday, with bail decisions scheduled for April 10. Four additional men from Chitungwiza appeared separately on charges of burning vehicles at businesses in several areas last Friday. Last Matarutse, Abel Jobe, Kizito Chinhanga, and Thomas Chanetsa face property damage charges and must apply for bail at the High Court.
