Prince Dubeko Sibanda, the former Member of Parliament for Binga North, was arrested on Saturday at the Beitbridge Border Post under unclear circumstances. His arrest has sparked considerable attention and concern from political circles and human rights advocates. Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) senior official Gift Ostallos Siziba confirmed the arrest, alleging that it is part of a broader pattern of persecution against individuals critical of the ruling Zanu-PF party. Siziba stated, “Honorable Prince Dubeko Sibanda has been arrested at the Beitbridge Border Post. The regime’s persecution of individuals it deems enemies of Zanu-PF continues.”
Pashor Raphael Sibanda, a former Cowdray Park CCC legislator, also confirmed the incident, noting that Sibanda is expected to be transferred to Harare for further proceedings. He shared on social media, “Hon Prince Dubeko Sibanda has been arrested and detained this afternoon at Beitbridge Border Post. He is expected to be transferred to Harare tomorrow morning. The arresting officers indicated that the order came from Harare, so that’s where he will face the charges.”
Initial reports suggest that Sibanda’s arrest might be linked to a controversial social media post in which he allegedly mocked Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The post suggested that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government had offered Suluhu Hassan US$500,000 to remain silent about the disputed 2023 presidential election results. This post may have been perceived as politically provocative, leading to Sibanda’s detention.
Prince Dubeko Sibanda was first elected to represent Binga North in the National Assembly during the 2018 general election as a member of the MDC Alliance. He was later recalled in October 2020 by MDC-T Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora but subsequently joined the CCC. Sibanda reclaimed his seat in a March 2022 by-election and was re-elected in the 2023 general election. However, shortly thereafter, he and other CCC MPs were recalled by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claimed to be the interim secretary-general of the party. He was also barred from contesting in a December 2023 by-election by the Harare High Court.
Sibanda’s arrest follows a similar incident involving former Budiriro MP Costa Machingauta, who was arrested on Thursday and later charged with inciting violence and disorderly conduct. Machingauta, a former MDC-T deputy youth chairman who later joined CCC, appeared in court on Saturday and was remanded to Monday, August 19, for a bail hearing. He faces charges under section 187 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and section 41(b) of the same statute, related to incitement to commit public violence and disorderly conduct.
Both cases have raised concerns among human rights groups and opposition parties about the increasing repression of political dissent and free speech in Zimbabwe.
In other news – SADC reaffirms call for removal of Sanctions on Zimbabwe at 44th summit
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has once again called for the removal of the sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by Western countries. This appeal was reiterated at the 44th SADC Summit held at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden on Saturday.
During the summit, SADC Executive Secretary Mr. Elias Magosi presented a communiqué summarizing the discussions and resolutions made by the regional Heads of State and Government. Read More
