Harare Magistrate Caroline Kuhudzayi on Monday refused bail to ten elderly citizens accused of attempting to take part in a protest allegedly organised by fugitive war veteran Blessed Geza.
The group, aged between 48 and 75, is said to have been mobilising for an unsanctioned demonstration called the “One Million Men March” against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Magistrate Kuhudzayi ruled that the accused could regroup with others still at large and reoffend if released. She also deemed them flight risks, given the seriousness of the charges.
The accused, Rose Chirenje (65), Nyarai Chigudu (52), Kenesia Jera (62), Edward Mandikutse (69), Dexter Jena (69), Hazvinei Machingura (69), Stephen Chagwiza (48), Jacob Masaraure (75), Mapengo Mapengo (57), and Joephrey Chigwerewe (70), face charges of participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace, or bigotry under Section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23].
Court documents state that on 17 October 2025, the group gathered near Africa Unity Square in Harare, responding to Geza’s social media call, intending to join the protest.
They were intercepted at the corner of George Silundika Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street while singing and dancing to a protest song with the lyrics: “Zvigananda chera mwena nguva yakwana, chera mwena zvigananda” – meaning “Economic saboteurs, your time is up.”
Police from CID Law and Order said six were arrested at the scene, while the remaining four, Chagwiza, Masaraure, Mapengo, and Chigwerewe, were later found hiding in a silver Toyota Probox on the corner of Sixth Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue.
Investigators reportedly recovered stones, boulders, and other potential projectiles hidden near the protest site.
In opposing bail, Detective Sergeant Lovemore Chisi warned that releasing the accused could threaten public order.
He also argued that the lengthy custodial sentences they face if convicted increased the risk they might abscond, a point upheld by the magistrate.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with several other suspects linked to the planned march still at large.
More: NewZimbabwe.com
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