Political activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi free at last
Masvingo High Court Judge Justice Christopher Dube-Banda has ordered the immediate release of Bhekimpilo Mbedzi from prison after the court was presented with evidence that he does not hold a passport, contrary to what had been stated in his bail conditions, the Masvingo Mirror reported.
Mbedzi, 41, had spent 34 days in remand prison for calling on citizens to demonstrate against Constitution Amendment Bill 3, a law that extends by two years the tenure of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the current Parliament and Senate and local authority councillors without an election.
His lawyer, Patrick Tererai of Tererai Attorneys, placed before the court an affidavit from the Registrar General’s Office confirming that Mbedzi has no passport.
The National Democratic Working Group, an opposition movement for which Mbedzi is provincial chairman for Matabeleland South, said its member was finally released from remand prison on Thursday evening.
Mbedzi was arrested after publicly calling on Zimbabweans to reject the recently enacted Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment [No. 3] Act, 2026, which has drawn criticism from citizens, opposition activists, civil society organisations and some constitutional experts.
He was charged with incitement as defined in Section 187 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and with inciting an unlawful gathering as defined in Section 7(1)(a) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.
Prosecutors allege that on 10 July 2026, Mbedzi recorded and posted a video on Facebook mobilising and inciting members of the public to take part in an unlawful gathering on 31 July, without giving notice to the regulating authority, the police, in protest against the enactment of the constitutional amendment.
They further allege that he was seen holding a placard inscribed “No To 2030” while mobilising people to join him in demonstrating against the amendment.
The State contends that Mbedzi acted unlawfully as his actions were intended to persuade and induce people to commit a crime, in violation of both Acts.
His Samsung Galaxy mobile phone was seized by police officers during his arrest. *_-Pindula_*
