On 6 June 2026, the Harare Magistrates Court acquitted and discharged human rights defender and pro-democracy activist Godfrey Karembera, widely known as Madzibaba veShanduko, after finding him not guilty of incitement to commit public violence. The activist had spent more than seven months in pretrial detention after being arrested in October 2025 for distributing flyers promoting a peaceful anti-corruption demonstration known as the “One Million Man March.”
The Solidarity Network welcomes the acquittal of Madzibaba veShanduko but expresses deep concern over the prolonged detention, alleged ill-treatment, and judicial harassment he endured for exercising his fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Madzibaba veShanduko is a prominent Zimbabwean activist known for advocating for accountability, social justice, and democratic governance. He has frequently spoken out against corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights violations in Zimbabwe.
In October 2025, authorities arrested the activist and charged him with incitement to commit public violence after he allegedly distributed flyers encouraging citizens to participate in a peaceful demonstration against corruption. The materials reportedly carried messages including “Stop the looting” and “Zimbabwe is not for sale.” These statements constituted legitimate political expression and fall squarely within the protections afforded by Zimbabwe’s Constitution and international human rights law.
Despite the non-violent nature of the alleged conduct, Madzibaba veShanduko was denied his liberty and remained in detention throughout lengthy court proceedings. During his incarceration, credible reports emerged that he suffered serious ill-treatment, including injuries to his back and kidneys. Concerns were also raised regarding delays in access to adequate medical treatment and the overall conditions of his detention.
The activist’s prolonged pretrial detention raises serious concerns regarding arbitrary detention and the increasing use of criminal charges to silence critics, activists, and individuals exercising their constitutional rights. While the court’s decision to acquit him is welcome, it does not erase the harm caused by months of unnecessary detention and the physical and psychological consequences reportedly suffered during that period.
The case of Madzibaba veShanduko reflects a broader pattern in Zimbabwe whereby activists, opposition figures, trade unionists, student leaders, journalists, and human rights defenders are subjected to arrest, detention, and prosecution under broadly framed criminal provisions. Such practices create a chilling effect on civic participation and undermine fundamental freedoms guaranteed under both domestic and international law.
The Solidarity Network remains deeply concerned by reports of ill-treatment suffered by Madzibaba veShanduko while in detention. Allegations of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment must be promptly, independently, and impartially investigated. Those found responsible must be held accountable in accordance with Zimbabwe’s obligations under international human rights standards, including the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment.
The Solidarity Network urges the authorities in Zimbabwe to:
- Conduct a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into all allegations of torture and ill-treatment suffered by Madzibaba veShanduko while in detention;
- Ensure accountability for any officials responsible for violations of his rights;
- End the practice of arresting, detaining, and prosecuting peaceful activists, human rights defenders, and government critics for exercising their fundamental freedoms;
- Guarantee respect for the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and fair trial as protected under the Constitution of Zimbabwe and international human rights instruments;
- Release any individuals who remain detained solely for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights; and
- Ensure that human rights defenders, activists, and civic actors can carry out their legitimate activities without fear of reprisals, intimidation, or judicial harassment.
The acquittal of Madzibaba veShanduko serves as an important reminder that peaceful advocacy against corruption and the abuse of public resources is not a crime. Zimbabwean authorities must cease using the criminal justice system as a tool to suppress dissent and instead uphold the rule of law, democratic principles, and the fundamental rights of all citizens.
