HARARE – A group of 98 suspected protestors accused of taking to the streets in Harare on March 31 to demand President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s exit were Thursday denied bail by Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova.
In his ruling, Matova concurred with prosecutors that the group would commit the same offence if granted bail.
“It is in the interest of justice that the accused persons should be detained on the grounds of public safety,” said the magistrate.
“The release of the accused will likely cause commotion in the country and lead them to reconvene with their leader.”
Of the accused lot, 95 will be back in court on April 24 for their routine appearance.
Three others are appearing separately.
Prosecutors told the court that the group participated in a gathering with the intension to promote public violence.
The protests followed social media calls for countrywide demonstrations by firebrand former Zanu PF central committee member Blessed Geza to force Mnangagwa out. The now self exiled war veteran and fierce backer of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s presidential bid accused Mnangagwa of harbouring criminals who were siphoning millions from the national purse in cahoots with the Zimbabwe incumbent.
According to the State, on 31 March 2025 at around 9.20AM, the suspects gathered at Robert Mugabe Square commonly known as the Freedom Square, intending to march on the streets of Harare.
Prosecutors allege the group also wanted to proceed “to the State House of Zimbabwe and forcibly remove the constitutionally elected President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
“The accused were making their vows of removing the President saying ‘enough is enough, Mnangagwa must go, ED must go nezvigananda zvake. Madzibaba veshanduko huyai mutitungamirire, comrade Geza huyai mutitungamirire and whistled’.
“Police officers who were deployed for maintenance of order observed about 200 people gathered and approached the group.
“The accused piled stones, bricks and tyres along Robert Mugabe road. They threw stones towards the police officers whilst singing ‘Hatidi zvekupihwa order nemasasikamu’. They also took themselves pictures and videos which they posted on various social media platforms.
“The accused 1 to 94 were arrested at the crime scene while accused 95 was arrested at his residence through identification from circulating pictures and videos,” the state further alleges.
