An opposition activist is languishing in prison after he was denied bail for allegedly inciting people to stage an anti-government protest, in what is perceived as a broader clampdown on dissent against the recent constitutional amendment.
Bhekhimpilo Mbedzi, 41, a resident of Beitbridge in Matabeleland South Province, has spent more than a week in police and prison custody after he was arrested on 16 July 2026.
He has been 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 Mbedzi recorded and posted a video on Facebook on 10 July 2026 mobilising and inciting members of the public to take part in an unlawful gathering on 31 July 2026, without giving notice to the regulating authority, the ZRP, in protest against the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026.
Prosecutors further alleged that Mbedzi was seen holding a placard inscribed “No To 2030” while mobilising people to join him in demonstrating against the amendment.
The prosecutors charged that Mbedzi, who is represented by Patrick Tererai of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), acted unlawfully as his actions were intended to persuade and induce people to commit a crime, in violation of both the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.
Mbedzi, whose Samsung Galaxy mobile phone was seized by ZRP officers and who appeared in court for initial remand proceedings on 17 July 2026, remains in custody after he was denied bail by Beitbridge Resident Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba on 18 July 2026.
The magistrate dismissed his bail application after ruling that he would interfere with state witnesses.
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