Persecution in 2025

A briefing on documented persecutions of activists in Zimbabwe during 2025 (covering Jan–Oct 2025, with the most important incidents, patterns, legal framing, and quick recommendations). I pulled reporting from human-rights groups and multiple news outlets so you can use this as a short briefing or expand into a timeline/report.

Photograph:  from our meeting in Durham with Jenatry Muranganwa Chihota, Shepherd Yuda and myself - as reported in New Zimbabwe on 4th October 2025 Second Photo below: Full Meeting Participants

Executive summary

In 2025 Zimbabwean authorities continued a pattern of arrests, remands, and prosecutions targeting activists, journalists and protest organisers. Major actions in 2025 include (1) the arrest and prolonged detention of journalist Blessed Mhlanga (Feb 24 onward) for interviewing a critic of the president; (2) mass post-protest arrests around the 31 March antigovernment demonstrations with roughly 95–107 people detained; and (3) a wave of arrests/remands in October 2025 tied to planned marches and the prosecution of outspoken activists (including Godfrey “Madzibaba” Karembera). Human-rights organisations (HRW, Amnesty, CPJ) and international media have documented denials of bail, charges of “incitement” or “unlawful gathering,” and allegations of mistreatment. Human Rights Watch+2Al Jazeera+2

Timeline of major 2025 cases (select, verifiable incidents)

• 24 Feb 2025 — Blessed Mhlanga (journalist) arrested: Mhlanga (Heart & Soul TV) was arrested on 24 Feb and charged with offences linked to “transmitting data messages that incite violence” after interviews with a war-veteran critic. He was denied bail multiple times; HRW, CPJ and Amnesty condemned the detention and called for charges to be dropped. Human Rights Watch+2Committee to Protect Journalists+2
• 31 Mar 2025 — Large antigovernment demonstrations; mass arrests: Following demonstrations that called for President Mnangagwa to step down, police arrested scores of participants. Reporting places the number arrested at ~95–107 people (charged with public violence / unlawful gathering). Many were remanded while investigations proceeded. Al Jazeera+1
• April–May 2025 — ongoing remands and court filings: Several detainees from the March protests remained in custody or faced protracted court processes; civil-society groups documented multiple bail denials and delayed hearings. (See judgements/filings referencing detainees arrested on 31 March.) ZimLII+1
• Oct 2025 — Arrests / manhunt & remands around the “One Million Men” / Geza events: In mid/late October 2025, police arrested or sought several activists linked to planned marches and distribution of fliers. Opposition activist Godfrey Karembera (“Madzibaba VeShanduko”) was reported abducted/assaulted and later remanded on charges of incitement to public violence; other pro-Geza war veterans were remanded. Rights campaigners reported alleged torture/assaults in some of these cases. Change Radio Zimbabwe+2Pindula News+2

Note: the October items are ongoing court stories—sources include local outlets (Pindula, ZimLive, ChangeRadio) and police/X statements; please treat some specifics (e.g., claims of abduction or medical denial) as contested and follow-up with direct court records or prison/medical access documentation where possible. X (formerly Twitter)+1

Patterns & methods used against activists (observed in 2025)

• Charges used repeatedly: “incitement,” “transmitting data messages that incite violence,” “participating in unlawful gatherings” or “promoting public violence.” These statutory labels are being used to criminalise interviews, assemblies, and social-media activity. Human Rights Watch+1
• Mass arrests and remands: Police detain large numbers after protests or even private meetings; detainees are often remanded for long periods pending prosecution. Al Jazeera+1
• Repeated bail denials / slow processes: Bail is frequently denied or delayed; appeals are sometimes rejected. Committee to Protect Journalists+1
• Targeting journalists & media: Journalists covering dissent or interviewing critics have been arrested — indicating a targeting of information channels. Committee to Protect Journalists
• Allegations of mistreatment: Some detainees reported assaults or torture; local outlets and rights groups have raised concerns about medical access and ill-treatment. (Example: reports around Godfrey Karembera and other detainees in Oct 2025.) Change Radio Zimbabwe+1

Legal & international context (brief)

• Zimbabwean authorities are relying on sections of the Criminal Law (Codification & Reform) Act (e.g., incitement), maintenance of public order rules, and broad provisions on gatherings. Human-rights organisations argue these laws are being applied in ways that violate constitutional rights to assembly and expression; they have called for releases and dropped charges. Amnesty International+1

Credibility / caveats

• Many reports come from international NGOs (HRW, Amnesty, CPJ), reputable wire services (Al Jazeera), and local outlets (Pindula, ZimLive, ChangeRadio). Local outlets can report rapid developments (e.g., court remands, alleged abductions) before official records are published; where possible I cite multiple sources and flag items that are still contested or in-progress. Human Rights Watch+2Al Jazeera+2

Short recommendations (for advocacy / monitoring / reporting)

1. Document & timestamp: Collect court papers, medical reports, photographs of injuries, police charge sheets, and custody logs for each detainee.
2. Legal support prioritisation: Push for immediate lawyer access and expedited bail hearings for high-risk detainees (journalists, those reporting torture).
3. Use international mechanisms: Send urgent appeals to Amnesty, HRW, CPJ, and raise cases with UN human-rights special procedures and relevant diplomatic missions.
4. Media strategy: Publicise verified incidents (dates, charge wording, court docket numbers) through trusted international outlets to raise visibility.
5. Human-rights monitoring: Establish a rolling timeline (spreadsheet) of arrests/remands, charges, bail outcomes and alleged abuses for pattern analysis and litigation support.

New Zimbabwe Article Reprint

For those having difficulites in reading the article, either as Zimbabwe Internet problems or too many adverts on their website please read the full reprint as below:

"ZIMBABWEANS living in the United Kingdom recently gathered in Durham to reflect on the worsening social, political, and economic situation back home. The meeting brought together activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens, who voiced frustration at the state of Zimbabwe’s public services and governance. Participants spoke passionately about the collapse of the health system, pointing out that hospitals are running without basic medicines, leaving many patients vulnerable and unable to access lifesaving care."

"Former Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer and human rights activist, Shepherd Yuda, noted that the country’s public health crisis has become “a slow death sentence for the poor.”"

"Concerns were also raised about the growing scourge of drug misuse among Zimbabwe’s youth. Attendees said that children as young as 13-years-old are being trapped in cycles of drug abuse, early marriages, and social instability — problems they believe are being worsened by the lack of mental health support. Speakers strongly condemned what they described as rampant corruption at the highest levels of government. Several participants accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa and members of his inner circle of enriching themselves while ordinary citizens suffer."

"“The brain drain we are witnessing is not by choice,” said Patson Muzuwa, one of the organisers."

"“It is forced by the mismanagement and greed of a few elites who have destroyed the nation’s future.”"

"Attendees also reflected on the freedom of being able to gather and speak openly in the UK, contrasting it with the repression faced in Zimbabwe. Many expressed relief at having the space to criticise the regime without fear of police harassment. However, participants acknowledged the risks of their activism, warning that under the Patriotic Act of 2023, those who openly criticise the government abroad could face arrest and persecution if they return home."

"The meeting included contributions from Nobukhosi Dube, Melbar Dick, Luckmore Masanzu, Martha Mutima, Xoliso Sithole, Desire Kunaka, Blessing Tariro Makeyi, Ettar P. Mhlanga, Ruth Matipa and Ralph Dube. Opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) UK executive member Hatirarame Jenatry Muranganwa (Chihota) and Prince Justin Chihurani also participated. Josephine Jenje Mudimu and Dadirayi Mukwedeya, who are also active campaigners, were however missing after they reportedly gave apologies."

"The gathering resolved to champion unity among Zimbabweans in the diaspora to keep raising awareness and campaigning for a democratic and accountable government back home."