Chamisa rolls out red carpet for freed activist Madzibaba veShanduko after eight-month jail ordeal

…Former CCC leader hails Godfrey Karembera as a “Citizens’ Hero” following his acquittal and release from Chikurubi Prison

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has publicly welcomed political activist Godfrey Karembera, popularly known as Madzibaba veShanduko, just days after he was released from prison following the collapse of a high-profile public violence case.

Karembera and his family were received at Chamisa’s offices in Harare on Friday, where the opposition figure praised his resilience and commitment to the struggle for political change.

The meeting came after months of criticism directed at Chamisa from some supporters and activists who accused him of remaining silent during Karembera’s eight-month detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison.

Critics noted that Chamisa had not visited Karembera while he was incarcerated.

Some political observers speculated that tensions may have arisen because Karembera had supported calls for protests linked to the late outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza.

Geza was widely viewed as being aligned with a faction within Zanu-PF associated with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and elements of the military establishment.

Announcing the meeting on social media, Chamisa described Karembera as a dedicated member of the citizens’ movement.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Citizens’ Hero, Godfrey Karembera, affectionately known as Madzibaba veShanduko and family, to our offices in Harare,” Chamisa wrote.

He went on to commend Karembera’s loyalty and determination, saying he remained committed to the vision of building a “New Great Zimbabwe” during the current generation’s lifetime.

Chamisa also thanked supporters who assisted Karembera’s family while he was in custody, singling out the Citizens Welfare Bureau and ordinary citizens who provided financial and moral support during what he described as a period of persecution.

Karembera regained his freedom on Wednesday after a Harare court dismissed the charges against him, bringing to an end more than eight months of pre-trial detention.

Before his arrest, Karembera was reportedly abducted and subjected to severe torture, an incident that drew widespread condemnation from human rights groups and attracted international attention.

Despite repeatedly applying for bail, he remained behind bars from October 2025 until the conclusion of the case, while his co-accused were allowed to attend proceedings from outside prison.

Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki acquitted Karembera alongside Jim Kunaka and Jestere Malcom Masarira, ruling that the State had failed to establish a case requiring them to present a defence.

The three had been accused of inciting public violence by allegedly encouraging citizens to participate in anti-government demonstrations planned for October 2025.

Prosecutors claimed the accused were connected to Geza’s proposed “one million-man march” and had distributed thousands of flyers calling on Zimbabweans to gather at Africa Unity Square and Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square.

According to the State, police recovered about 7,200 flyers after intercepting a silver Toyota Aqua in Glen View 3. Authorities further alleged that Karembera fled the scene and later circulated a video encouraging participation in the planned demonstrations.

However, the court found the prosecution’s evidence insufficient to sustain the charges.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights welcomed the ruling through lawyer Paida Saurombe.

Throughout the proceedings, Karembera maintained that the allegations were politically motivated and argued that he was being targeted for exercising rights protected under Zimbabwe’s Constitution.