The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest and conviction of George Maponga (37) for failing to stop at a police checkpoint.
On 31 March 2025, Maponga ignored an order to stop at a checkpoint located at the 93-kilometre peg along Harare-Chirundu Road.
The incident occurred during a period of heightened political tensions in the country due to a planned uprising led by war veteran Blessed Geza.
Geza had called for nationwide protests against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, urging citizens to demand his resignation over allegations of economic mismanagement and corruption.
However, the expected mass demonstrations did not materialize. Instead, the day was marked by widespread stayaways, with many people choosing to stay indoors rather than take to the streets.
According to a ZRP statement, George Maponga appeared before the Banket Magistrate Court on 3 April 2025. He was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison without the option of a fine.
Police later clarified that the convicted George Maponga is not the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) president and seasoned Masvingo-based journalist.
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