In a troubling development, reports have emerged that Zimbabwean pro-democracy campaigner Namatai Kwekweza, human rights activist Robson Chere, and councillor Samuel Gwenzi were allegedly arrested at Robert Mugabe International Airport. According to sources, the trio was forcibly removed from a plane, and their current whereabouts remain unclear.
When contacted by Nehanda Radio, Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated that he had not yet received confirmation of the reported arrests. “I’m yet to receive that report. Let me look into it,” Nyathi commented.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) have expressed significant concern regarding the activists’ situation. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), ZLHR highlighted their efforts to determine the whereabouts of Kwekweza, Chere, and Gwenzi:
“We are greatly concerned about the whereabouts of pro-democracy campaigner Namatai Kwekweza and two other people, who reached out to us after they were removed from a plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport. We are trying to ascertain their whereabouts and what is happening to them.”
Gift “Ostallos” Siziba, former deputy spokesperson of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has also confirmed the arrests. Siziba suggests that the detentions are part of a broader effort by the regime to suppress dissent ahead of the upcoming 44th Ordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, scheduled to be held in Harare later this month.
“I have been informed that councillor Samuel Gwenzi, human rights defender Namatai Kwekweza, and ARTUZ Secretary General Robson Chere have been arrested at Harare International Airport. This comes as the regime attempts to silence voices ahead of the SADC summit. Human rights activists, trade unionists, student leaders, and democratic opposition members are being targeted. The fight is on. It’s homeland or death.”
The alleged detentions of Kwekweza, Chere, and Gwenzi follow a recent wave of arrests. Former Minister Jameson Timba and 74 political activists are currently being held at Harare Remand Prison after being arrested in June for what authorities described as an “unsanctioned political gathering.” Both the Magistrates and High Courts have denied them bail, a decision that critics view as an attempt to intimidate opposition voices.
In a related development, Zanu-PF’s Director for Information, Farai Marapira, has issued a warning to the opposition against organizing demonstrations against President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Marapira stated: “Those that are saying they will be in the streets, we will meet them in the streets, and if they’re going to be in streets unlawfully, then they will see what the law is about.”
The arrest of these activists has further heightened tensions in Zimbabwe, with increased scrutiny on the government’s approach to dissent and civil liberties. As the SADC Summit approaches, the international community and human rights organizations are likely to keep a close eye on the unfolding situation and the government’s handling of political and human rights issues.
In other news – Zimbabwe police crack down, arrest more money-changers
In a significant move to combat illegal currency trading, the police and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit have arrested 10 more individuals involved in the illicit exchange of foreign currencies. This latest operation underscores the government’s commitment to curbing unlawful financial activities and stabilizing the national economy.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the recent arrests and emphasized that the crackdown would persist. He warned businesses and individuals engaging in illegal currency trading or using social media platforms for such activities: Read More
