Advocate Mpofu Condemns Harassment Of Drivers Of Broken-Down Vehicles Near State House

Prominent Zimbabwean lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu has called for an end to the harassment of citizens whose vehicles break down near State House in Harare by soldiers.

His remarks follows a video posted online in September 2025, showing a truck that had broken down near the State House perimeter.

The people involved were allegedly ordered by security personnel to push the vehicle away, despite the mechanical failure.

In a similar incident in August 2025, a kombi driver reportedly lost control and crashed into the State House perimeter, after which innocent passengers were rounded up by armed guards.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Advocate Mpofu said no law authorises the State to mistreat people simply because their vehicle has broken down. He wrote:

“The abuse suffered by motorists and passengers who break down at or near the State House must stop.

“No law authorises the state to mistreat people simply because their vehicle has failed.

“You can’t punish people for bad luck. Unless there are credible reasons to suspect they intend to damage the granite wall, they are entitled to respect.

“Under the law, every restraint on liberty is prima facie unlawful and must be justified; that principle is not location‑dependent and must be upheld at all times.”

Related:

‘My Taxi Will Not Convey Contraband”: Advocate Mpofu Says He Won’t Represent “Certain Individuals” Advocate Mpofu commends Advocate Uriri’s rejection of Chivayo’s “vuvuzela gift”