The Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) has condemned the arrest of political activist Bhekhimpilo Mbedzi over planned protests scheduled for 31 July 2026. The 41‑year‑old was arrested on 15 July.
Mbedzi, who is based in Beitbridge, was detained for posting a Facebook video in which he held a placard bearing the inscription “NO TO 2030” and mobilised Zimbabweans to protest against the recently enacted Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No. 3 of 2026.
“We are deeply concerned that the use of the law in this way risks criminalising the ordinary act of inviting fellow citizens to exercise their constitutional right to protest,” ZPP said.
“Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are guaranteed under Zimbabwe’s Constitution and international human rights law. No one should face prosecution for holding a placard, recording a video, or asking others to join them in speaking out on matters of public concern.”
The organisation called for Mbedzi’s rights to due process, humane treatment and a fair, transparent hearing to be fully respected.
“We stand for every Zimbabwean’s right to express themselves, organise and dissent without fear,” it said.
The State alleges that on 10 July 2026, Mbedzi posted a self-recorded video on his Facebook page, under the name ‘BHEKHIMPILO MBEDZI’, in which he held a placard written “NO TO 2030” while calling on citizens to join a demonstration against the Constitutional Amendment Bill on 31 July 2026.
According to the outline of the State case filed at the Beitbridge Provincial Court, the video was posted without giving notice to the regulating authority to conduct a public gathering, in contravention of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.
The State says a Samsung A04e Galaxy cellphone allegedly used to record and post the video has been recovered.
Mbedzi now faces charges of inciting an unlawful gathering under Section 187 of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act, read with Sections 7(1)(a) and 7(5) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, which deals with failure to give notice of a public gathering.
Mbedzi’s video relates to growing opposition to the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No 3 of 2026, gazetted as Act No 6 of 2026 after President Emmerson Mnangagwa assented to it on or about 7 July.
The Act, among other changes, extends presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and provides for the President to be elected by Parliament sitting jointly.
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