Police Oppose Bail for Protesters Arrested During 31 March Demonstration in Harare

A total of ninety-five individuals from Zimbabwe have been taken into custody following a large-scale protest on 31 March 2025 at Robert Mugabe Square (also known as Freedom Square) in Harare.

The demonstrators reportedly attempted to march towards the State House, calling for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Court documents obtained by this outlet provide in-depth information about the charges, the evidence presented by the state, and the police’s objections to bail.

Details of the Protest and Alleged Insurrection

According to documents from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the protest began at around 9:20 AM with the intent to march through Harare and reach the State House. The police claim that the goal of the march was to “forcibly remove the constitutionally elected President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa.”

During the protest, participants are alleged to have chanted several slogans, including:

“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! MNANGAGWA MUST LEAVE THE PRESIDENCY! ED MUST GO ALONG WITH HIS THUGS! MADZIBABA WESHANDUKO, COME LEAD US! COMRADE GEZA, COME LEAD US!”

Officers monitoring the demonstration reported that around 200 people had gathered. Some protesters allegedly threw stones, bricks, and tyres at police officers while chanting:

“Hatidi zvekupiihwa order nemasasi kamu” (Translation: “We do not want to be ordered by fools.”)

Police also claim that several participants filmed the protest and shared footage on social media.

Affidavit from CID Officer

A sworn affidavit from Detective Sergeant Lovemore Chisi, a member of the CID Law and Order unit in Harare, is central to the state’s case. Chisi, with over 14 years of service, eight of which were in investigations, claims the protest was allegedly organized by opposition figures Godfrey Karembera and Blessed Runesu Geza.

Chisi has opposed bail, citing several reasons:

• The accused face serious charges under Section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
• The accused were part of a WhatsApp group called “Nyokayemabhunu,” where some participants allegedly made threats against police officers investigating the case.
• There is a risk the accused could reoffend, as their goal of removing the president remains unmet.
• There are still others involved in the protest who have not been arrested, and releasing those already detained may impede further arrests.

Chisi further claims that releasing the accused could discourage state witnesses from testifying due to fear of retaliation.

Bail Objections and Additional Claims

In an official Bail Opposition Form, police have reinforced their concerns:

• Some of the accused have prior convictions or ongoing legal matters (details are yet to be confirmed).
• There is a risk the accused may flee the country due to the severity of the charges and potential punishment.
• The Nyokayemabhunu group, which allegedly coordinated the protest, was operated by Knox Chiwer, using a South African-registered phone number, complicating matters due to the cross-border nature of the evidence.

Police have indicated that 20 witnesses are expected to testify, and they have requested the investigation be concluded by 15 April 2025.

Formal Charges and Evidence

The accused individuals are formally charged with “participating in a gathering with intent to promote violence, disrupt public peace, or encourage bigotry,” in violation of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The prosecution’s case is supported by three primary pieces of evidence:

1. The accused have been positively identified at the protest.
2. Social media activity, including posts in the Nyokayemabhunu WhatsApp group.
3. Testimonies from eyewitnesses.

Interestingly, there have been no reports of stolen or damaged property.

Details of Arrests

As per police records:

• Accused persons 1 through 94 were apprehended at the protest site.
• Accused 95 was arrested later at their home, identified from online videos and circulating images.

Political and Legal Reactions

The mass arrests have raised concerns about political repression and worsening economic conditions. Civil society organizations have expressed alarm over the scale of the arrests and the severity of the charges. While opposition parties have not yet issued an official statement, there has been a surge of commentary on social media, with many condemning what they view as increasing authoritarianism.

Legal experts caution that the use of Section 37(1)(a)(i)—a broad charge related to public order offenses—could have serious implications for the right to assembly in Zimbabwe.

This story is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available about the accused, the alleged organizers, and the alleged organizers, and the state’s legal strategy.

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