The economic challenges currently bedeviling in the country are a cause of concern as there does not seem
to be an end in sight. Despite the easing of lockdown restrictions which have allowed informal traders to
start operating, citizens continue to struggle.
Government has failed to take meaningfully, effective steps to combat the hunger and water crises; this will
likely lead to mass protests and civil disobedience in the near future if not addressed as a matter of
urgency.
Since January 2021, the Government of Zimbabwe has launched systematic and coordinated attacks on
human rights activists using law fare; a path they always take when under pressure. Government has
continued to accuse activists of inciting public violence in order to destabilise the country through
coordinated demonstrations ahead of the 2023 elections- despite Section 59 of the Zimbabwean
Constitution clearly providing for the right to demonstrate and petition. It has become increasingly clear
that the law is being used by government to herald and justify the persecution of citizens whose crime
seems to be wanting to exercise their right to demonstrate and petition.is demonstrating for a better
Zimbabwe.
This was most evident when opposition and pro-democracy campaigner, Makomborero Haruzivishe was
arrested on 18 February 2021.
Haruzivishe was arrested at gunpoint by state security agents who allegedly threatened to shoot him. The
agents allegedly wanted to take him to an undisclosed location but were forced to drop him off at Harare
Central police station after Haruzivishe screamed hysterically.
He is convicted with incitement to commit public violence, and resisting arrest. He faces up to 20 years in
prison.
MDC Alliance activists staged a flash protest outside the Harare High Court on 25 February 2021
demanding Haruzivishe’s release after he was denied bail. The more than 50 picketers hoisted placards
with messages “Free Mako Now” to “Stop Judicial Capture.”
The activists also called for the resignation of Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga before
dispersing dramatically in a choreographed fashion. Haruzivishe’s arrest and detainment is reflective of a
politically-motivated legislation that only seeks to suppress civil and political rights.
Further, it shows the progressive emasculation of ‘independent’ institutions established to guarantee
citizens enjoy their rights. Many analysts are concerned about the judiciary in particular the lower courts
where rights of citixzens such as the right to bail is stifled. In most cases it is always at the higher courts
that the rulings of the lower courts are reviewed and the accused granted bail
The absence of an independent and impartial judicial branch of government implies that there is little or
no recourse available to everyday citizens who oppose the government.
This is evidenced by the denial of bail of acivists seen to be anti government.
On March 5, MDC Activists Joana Mamombe and Cecilia Chimbiri were arrested after they appeared for
their routine reporting at Harare Central Police. The two were allegedly arrested for addressing a press
conference the previous week in solidarity with Haruzivishe.
The arrest of activists across the country is a clear sign of criminalisation of human rights activism, which is
a proverbial smack in the face of democratic society ideals.
The continued deferment of bail ruling judgement and detention essentially deprives the activists of their
freedom and sends a clear, stern message that critics of the government will be dealt with firmly, and
within the ‘confines of the law.’
In other words, the weaponisation of the law is a trend that is growing and causing a lot of uneasiness
especially where those with dissenting voices are concerned.
Following a period of hope by citizens in the socio-economic transformation of the country when
lockdown restrictions were eased, these hopes were quickly shattered as nothing seems to have changed
and there is no end in sight.
In light of this, ZPP calls for an immediate end to the use of law fare by government to silence dissent and
punish critics of the government. In addition, civil liberties and rights as enshrined in the Constitution,
including the rights to assembly, demonstration and petition and association, should be respected
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