Opposition Activist Madzibaba VeShanduko Acquitted After Eight Months in Prison

HARARE — Opposition activist Godfrey Karembera, popularly known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, has been acquitted after spending eight months in prison on charges related to alleged anti-government mobilisation activities. The ruling brings an end to a case that attracted significant public attention following his arrest during a police crackdown linked to planned anti-government protests.

According to his lawyer, Paida Saurombe, the court found that prosecutors had failed to present sufficient evidence connecting Karembera to the offence.

“The magistrate found that there was no evidence connecting him to the crime and accordingly acquitted and discharged him,” Saurombe said after the ruling.

Karembera, 47, a former member of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was arrested in October 2025 following a police manhunt. Prosecutors alleged that he had evaded arrest during a high-speed chase involving police officers while distributing flyers in several high-density suburbs of Harare, including Machipisa, Glen View, and Budiriro. The state claimed that the distributed material was linked to the planned One Million Men March, a protest campaign that had been called by the late war veteran Blessed Geza.

The proposed demonstration was intended to protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration, with organisers citing concerns over corruption, economic challenges, and governance issues. Authorities accused Karembera of inciting public violence through the distribution of protest-related material and charged him under provisions of Zimbabwean law dealing with public order and security. The prosecution argued that his actions were intended to mobilise citizens to participate in unlawful demonstrations.

However, after hearing the matter, the court concluded that the state had failed to establish a prima facie case against the activist. A prima facie case requires prosecutors to present sufficient evidence capable of supporting a conviction if left unanswered by the defence.

In its ruling, the court determined that the evidence presented did not directly link Karembera to the alleged offence, resulting in his acquittal and discharge. Legal analysts say the decision underscores the importance of meeting evidentiary standards in criminal prosecutions, particularly in cases involving political activism and public demonstrations.

The acquittal means Karembera regains his freedom after spending approximately eight months in custody while awaiting the conclusion of his trial. The case had drawn interest from human rights advocates and political observers, who closely monitored developments amid ongoing debates over political freedoms, freedom of expression, and the handling of protest-related cases in Zimbabwe.

Neither prosecutors nor the National Prosecuting Authority had publicly indicated whether they intended to challenge the ruling at the time of publication. For Karembera and his supporters, the judgment marks the end of a lengthy legal battle that began with his arrest during heightened political tensions and concludes with the court finding insufficient evidence to sustain the charges brought against him.

Godfrey Karembera acquitted