ZIMBABWEANS IN UK PROTEST AGAINST MNANGAGWA’S FAILURE TO FIX ECONOMY, CLAMPDOWN ON DISSENT
A group of Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom recently held a demonstration dubbed the “Walk for Freedom” in Blackburn, among other things calling for the release of journalist Blessed Mhlanga.
The demonstrators chanted slogans and waved placards denouncing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government accused of heavy-handedness.
The event has since sparked concern in Harare, where government officials say the walk coincided with a period of heightened national security following a recently foiled attempt by war veteran Blessed ‘Bombshell’ Runesu Geza to force Mnangagwa to resign.
Zimbabwe’s security services have reportedly invoked the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Act of 2023, in response to what they view as deliberate attempts to undermine national sovereignty and incite public disorder through external influence.
Government insiders claim the chants and messages shared during the protest-now circulating widely on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and various online blogs-constitute potential violations of the Act.
The event, which was held last Saturday, drew the attention of international observers and Zimbabwean authorities, was organised by Melody Phylis Magejo, Josephine Jenje Mudimu, and Theophilas Mkuhlani.
Identified among the demonstrators were Genius Mamwadhu, Pamela Magwizi, Happiness Ncube, Xoliso Sithole, Shepherd Yuda, Nobukhosi Dube, Petty Ziramba, Patson Muzuwa, Victor Simon, and John Burke. Several photographers and other unidentified individuals were also seen documenting the event.
Of particular concern to Zimbabwean authorities is the presence of Shepherd Yuda, a former prison officer, believed to be residing in the North East of England. Yuda has been previously linked to anti- government activities and was seen on live video streams from the walk, repeating claims that the President of Zimbabwe is suffering from dementia-remarks that the government has categorised as both defamatory and seditious.
Sources within Zimbabwe’s intelligence circles suggest that many individuals linked to the protest have already been flagged for surveillance.
The country’s law enforcement agencies have reportedly received additional funding to infiltrate diaspora networks and assess the extent of their influence in what has been described as a “coordinated effort to destabilise the State.”
The Zimbabwean government has reiterated its position that it welcomes political dissent expressed through legal and constructive channels but will not tolerate efforts that “tarnish the image of the nation or seek to delegitimise its constitutional leadership.” *_-NewZimbabwe_*
