HARARE – MDC Alliance activists staged a flash protest outside the Harare High Court on Thursday demanding the release of pro-democracy campaigner Makomborero Haruzivishe after he was denied bail.
The more than 50 picketers hoisted placards with a gamut of messages from “Free Mako Now” to “Stop Judicial Capture.”
They also spray-painted “Free Mako” on the front walls of the High Court while chanting “Sunungurai Mako” or “Free Mako,” and called for the resignation of police commissioner-general Godwin Matanga before dispersing dramatically in a choreographed fashion.
“We are worried that this weaponization of law by the police and growing persecution of activists has a pernicious and gnawing effect on our ‘nascent’ democracy,” said Mamombe addressing the protesters.
“Today we send a clear and unequivocal message to this regime. We are not afraid! We will not be neutral in the face of brutality and weaponization of the law. We will not stand aside while our country is turned into a banana republic. Our resolve is unshakeable and our faith in a new Zimbabwe unbreakable.”
Haruzivishe was arrested last week at gunpoint by state security agents who threatened to shoot him, his lawyers have claimed in court.
The agents allegedly wanted to take him to an undisclosed location, ostensibly for torture purposes but were forced to drop him off at Harare Central police station after Haruzivishe screamed hysterically.
The activist is charged with kidnapping Impala Car Rental workers.
He denies the allegations.
Haruzivishe’s lawyer Obey Shava said his client also has three outstanding warrants. He will be back in court on Friday.
