In a move that has stirred significant controversy, Zimbabwean authorities have arrested Tineyi Munetsi, a losing candidate in the 2023 parliamentary elections, on charges related to his alleged participation in an anti-government protest that occurred five years ago. This development has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, including the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), who have condemned the arrest as an example of the government’s intensified crackdown on opposition figures and rights defenders.
The ZLHR has characterized the arrest as an “absurdity,” highlighting that Munetsi, a member of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), is being charged under section 36 of the Criminal Code for his purported involvement in the January 2019 protests. These demonstrations, which were sparked by a government decision to increase fuel prices, marked one of the most significant expressions of public dissent since President Emmerson Mnangagwa assumed power in 2017.
The January 2019 protests, fueled by frustration over economic hardships, witnessed a severe response from security forces. Reports indicate that at least 17 people were killed, and numerous others were subjected to violence, including rape, as security personnel sought to quell the unrest. The government’s reaction included extensive efforts to track down and apprehend suspected organizers, resulting in widespread human rights abuses.
Currently, the crackdown on dissent has escalated, with over a hundred activists detained or assaulted in recent months. This includes 78 opposition activists who remain in remand prison on charges of attending illegal gatherings and 60 student activists affiliated with the Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) who were recently beaten during a union meeting in Harare. The government’s actions have also been directed at rights activists and politicians, with arrests and charges of violence incitement increasing as the August 17 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit approaches.
The harsh measures taken by the Zimbabwean government are seen as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent amidst growing regional instability. Recent protests in Kenya and Nigeria, driven by similar economic grievances, are believed to have influenced the government’s stringent stance in Zimbabwe.
As the situation unfolds, the arrest of Tineyi Munetsi underscores the ongoing tensions between Zimbabwean authorities and those advocating for political and economic reforms. The international community, along with local human rights groups, continues to monitor the situation closely, urging for accountability and protection of civil liberties in the face of increasing repression.
In other news – Zimbabwean gospel rapper Mudiwa Hood teams up with Tiffany Haddish for exciting new project
In a fascinating twist of fate, award-winning Zimbabwean gospel rapper and entrepreneur Mudiwa Hood recently made headlines with a high-profile visit from Hollywood star Tiffany Haddish. Haddish, known for her roles in popular films such as *Night School* and *Girls Trip*, turned heads not just for her Hollywood credentials but for her unexpected stop at Mudiwa’s MH Luxury Boutique in Harare.
The encounter has captured the imagination of fans and industry insiders alike, especially in light of Haddish’s viral moment at a local TM Pick n Pay Supermarket, where she expressed amazement at the variety of groceries available. Read More
