Tendai Biti and Morgan Ncube held over alleged MOPA breach

Activists' private huddle got them snatched by cops, now facing court over a law that supposedly doesn't touch closed-door chats.

Tendai Biti arrest fallout

• Tendai Biti plus Morgan Ncube got nabbed in Mutare on March 21.
• Cops slapped them with breaching MOPA over no prior notice.
• Both sit locked up at Mutare Central Police Station right now.
• Their first court date is Monday, March 23, 2026.

CDF pushback claims

• Forum insists the gathering stayed strictly private.
• MOPA skips notification rules when events stay behind closed doors.
• Lawyer Chris Ndlovu handles defense for the duo.
• Spokesperson Jacob Rukweza blasts the detention as bogus.

Legal carve-outs explained

• Section 7 limits police notice demands to open public events only.
• Private spots like homes, offices, or invite-only halls dodge the requirement.
• Limited attendance, such as caucuses or board sessions, qualifies as exempt.
• Regulating Authority can't outright kill meetings without solid justification.

Alleged crime context

• CDF frames the bust as payback for fighting the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3.
• They reject any real violation and slam Mnangagwa's 2030 plans.
• The group demands instant freedom for their leaders.
• Calls ring out for supporters to pack the courtroom in solidarity.