Activist, Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, Granted US$200 Bail After Two Weeks In Custody

The Masvingo High Court has granted US$200 bail to the Matabeleland South provincial chairperson of the National Democratic Working Group, Bhekimpilo Mbedzi.

Beitbridge Resident Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba had denied Mbedzi’s initial bail application on 18 July 2026.

Justice Christopher Dube-Banda granted Mbedzi bail on Monday, 3 August 2026, following an urgent appeal by his lawyer, Patrick Tererai of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).

The NDWG said it was facilitating payment of the bail to enable Mbedzi to reunite with his family later on Monday.

Mbedzi, 41, from Beitbridge in Matabeleland South, had spent more than two weeks in police and prison custody after his arrest on 16 July 2026.

He was arrested after publicly calling on Zimbabweans to reject the recently enacted Constitution Amendment Act No. 3, 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 Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026.

They further allege he was seen holding a placard inscribed “No To 2030” while mobilising people to join him in demonstrating against the amendment.

The State charged 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.