Opposition activist Godfrey Karembera, widely known by his moniker Madzibaba WeShanduko, appeared before Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai yesterday facing charges of incitement to participate in a public gathering with intent to cause public violence. The allegations stem from plans for the One Million Men March, a demonstration reportedly organized by war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Runesu Geza.
Karembera was represented in court by lawyer Paida Saurombe, who opposed his client being placed on remand. Saurombe argued that the arrest was unlawful and alleged that Karembera was assaulted by police officers during his detention. To support this claim, the lawyer presented images showing visible injuries on Karembera’s back, which he said were inflicted while in police custody. Magistrate Kuhudzai remanded Karembera to today for his bail application.
According to the State, Karembera and his alleged accomplices—who remain at large—conspired to mobilize the public to participate in a protest targeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The march was reportedly scheduled for October 17, 2025, to take place at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square and Africa Unity Square in Harare.
Prosecutors allege that the demonstrations were motivated by statements made by Geza in a series of YouTube videos, in which he accused the President of corruption, looting, and betrayal of Zimbabweans. Court documents indicate that Karembera and his associates printed and distributed thousands of flyers in high-density suburbs including Machipisa, Highfield, Glen View, and Budiriro. The flyers carried slogans such as:
“STOP THE LOOTING”
“ZIMBABWE IS NOT FOR SALE”
“7 BILLION REASONS TO MARCH”
“ONE MILLION MAN MARCH”
Police reportedly received a tip-off about a silver Toyota Aqua distributing the flyers. The vehicle was intercepted along Patrenda Road in Glen View, and authorities recovered 7,200 flyers. While Karembera and two others allegedly fled the scene, one suspect, Malvern Mavhere, was arrested in connection with the distribution.
The State further alleged that on the day the march was due to take place, Karembera recorded and circulated a video via WhatsApp groups and Facebook, urging the public to gather at Africa Unity Square. The flyers recovered by police were subsequently submitted in court as exhibits, forming part of the prosecution’s evidence.
Opposition Activist Godfrey Karembera Remanded for Alleged Public Violence Incitement
The case has drawn attention due to the profile of the accused and the political nature of the allegations. Karembera, known for his vocal opposition activism, has previously been involved in campaigns critiquing government policies and the President’s administration. The arrest and subsequent remand have ignited debates on freedom of assembly, political expression, and the use of law enforcement in regulating protests.
Legal analysts note that the case raises questions about how authorities balance security concerns against citizens’ constitutional rights to protest. While the State maintains that the charges are intended to prevent public violence, opposition figures argue that the actions against Karembera may reflect attempts to stifle political dissent.
Lawyer Saurombe emphasized that Karembera’s right to participate in civic activities should be protected and cautioned against undue police conduct during arrests. “The use of force and the treatment of activists in custody must comply with legal standards and human rights obligations,” Saurombe said outside court.
Karembera’s remand marks the beginning of what could be a prolonged legal battle, with his bail application scheduled for today. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how politically charged gatherings and social media mobilization are treated under Zimbabwean law.
Observers have highlighted the role of social media in the case, noting that platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube have become critical tools for political mobilization, but also a source of contention when authorities allege that these channels are used to incite unrest.
As the nation watches, the Karembera case underscores the fragile intersection of political activism, public order, and legal accountability in Zimbabwe. With thousands of flyers distributed and a high-profile planned march thwarted, the proceedings will be closely monitored for both their political and legal implications.
Source- Byo24
