In Zimbabwe, the High Court has released three opposition activists on bail after they were arrested at Robert Mugabe International Airport on July 31 2024. The activists — Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi — were on their way to Victoria Falls to attend the African Philanthropy Conference. Alongside them was artist and sound engineer Vusumuzi Moyo. Before their plane could take off, police officers entered and removed them, accusing them of planning to cause public disorder.
These charges come from outdated laws that date back to Zimbabwe’s colonial era under British rule. Despite gaining independence more than four decades ago, the government continues to use these oppressive laws to silence dissent. The arrests took place just before a major Southern African Development Community summit was held in Harare, suggesting the government wanted to suppress any activism that might embarrass it during the international gathering.
The crackdown on these activists is part of a broader and ongoing campaign by the government to weaken civil society. Any group or individual that advocates for democracy or human rights is now seen as a threat. The state continues to block gatherings, arrest leaders, and harass voices of resistance. It is dangerous to speak out in Zimbabwe. It is even more dangerous to be heard. These arrests show that the regime is afraid of the people it claims to represent.
What happened to Robson Chere after his arrest is especially horrifying. He was severely tortured while in police custody. The injuries he suffered were life-threatening. Yet no medical help was given to him. This cruel treatment has shocked human rights organisations, who say that Zimbabwe’s police regularly use torture and deny detainees their most basic needs. Chere’s suffering is not an exception. It is a brutal reminder of how far the state is willing to go to crush opposition.
After spending several days in detention, Kwekweza, Chere, and Gwenzi were finally brought to court. They were represented by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, a committed legal group known for defending victims of political persecution. This organisation has become a lifeline for many activists who would otherwise face the full wrath of the state without any legal protection.
The High Court granted bail but placed tight restrictions on the activists. Each of them must pay US$150 or the equivalent in Zimbabwean dollars. They must report to the police on the last Friday of every month. They are forbidden from interfering with state witnesses and cannot change their residence without notifying the authorities. These conditions show that the state is still watching their every move. It is a release in name only. Real freedom remains out of reach.
Even though their release has been seen as a small win by civil society groups, it is clear that Zimbabwe is still far from being a free country. Colonial laws are being used to maintain a post-colonial dictatorship. The government may have changed its face over the years but its tactics remain the same. The fear remains the same. The pain remains the same.
The story of Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi is not just about bail. It is about bravery. It is about the price of speaking truth in a nation ruled by fear. As their trial continues, the world must pay attention. Zimbabwe’s struggle for democracy is not a headline. It is a daily battle fought by real people with everything to lose and very little protection.
Let it be known that even though they are out of jail, they are still not free. But their voices, like those of many others before them, continue to rise. And no amount of torture, silence, or bail conditions will stop the truth from being heard.
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