Arrest of Liberation War Veterans Sparks Outcry in Harare

The arrest of ten Zimbabwean liberation war veterans after a Harare protest has triggered national outrage, raising concerns over shrinking democratic space, freedom of assembly, and government respect for the heroes of independence (image source)

HARARE — Ten veterans of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle were remanded in custody last week after staging a protest in central Harare, reigniting debate over political dissent, freedom of assembly, and the treatment of war heroes in the Second Republic. The group, led by 65-year-old Rose Chirenje, appeared before Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai on charges of participating in a gathering to promote public violence.

“We fought for freedom, not silence,” said a family member of one of the detained veterans, speaking outside the Harare Magistrates Court. “Now they’re being treated like criminals for demanding accountability.”

According to the State’s case, the veterans allegedly conspired with activist Blessed Runesu Geza to mobilize citizens for a “One Million Men March” on 17 October 2025. The protest, planned for Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square, aimed to denounce President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged alignment with “criminals and saboteurs” — a charge that has gained traction among disillusioned war veterans and civil society groups. Geza reportedly used social media to rally support, prompting the veterans and other participants to gather at the intersection of George Silundika Avenue and Sam Mujoma Street, near Africa Unity Square.

During the gathering, the veterans were allegedly singing and dancing while denouncing perceived saboteurs. Police arrested five of them on the spot and claimed to have discovered stones and other “missiles” hidden nearby — a detail that has raised eyebrows among human rights lawyers.

“The presence of stones does not automatically prove intent to commit violence,” said Advocate Nyarai Mudzamiri. “This charge risks criminalizing peaceful protest.”

The arrest of liberation war veterans — once revered as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s independence — has sparked outrage among fellow ex-combatants and younger activists alike. Many see the detentions as emblematic of a broader erosion of democratic freedoms.

“These are the same people who risked their lives for this country,” said war veteran and activist Josephine Moyo. “Now they’re being jailed for singing in the streets?”

The case has sent shockwaves through Zimbabwe’s civic space, with fears that it could deter future protests and embolden crackdowns on dissent. Civil society organizations have called for the immediate release of the veterans and an independent investigation into the arrests.

“This is about more than ten individuals — it’s about the soul of our democracy,” said a spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum.

The ten veterans, including Chirenje, were remanded in custody until 27 October 2025. Legal teams are preparing bail applications, while supporters plan vigils and solidarity marches in Harare and Bulawayo.

As Zimbabwe approaches a tense political season, the fate of these veterans may become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to constitutional rights and its relationship with the very people who helped birth the nation.