HARARE – Prominent opposition activist Godfrey Karembera, widely known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, has been acquitted after spending eight months in prison on cha...
HARARE – Prominent opposition activist Godfrey Karembera, widely known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, has been acquitted after spending eight months in prison on charges related to alleged anti-government mobilisation.
The acquittal was handed down by a Harare magistrate who ruled that the State had failed to provide evidence linking Karembera to the offence. The decision brought an end to a case that had attracted attention due to Karembera’s political activism and support for opposition causes.
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Karembera, 47, was arrested in October 2025 following a police manhunt. Authorities alleged that he had fled during a high-speed chase with police officers while distributing fliers in several high-density suburbs in Harare.
According to the State, the alleged distribution of fliers took place in areas including Machipisa, Glen View and Budiriro. Prosecutors claimed that the material was connected to a planned anti-government demonstration.
The charges arose from the proposed One Million Men March, a protest that had been called by the late war veteran Blessed Geza. The planned demonstration was aimed at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration over allegations of corruption and poor governance.
Prosecutors accused Karembera of inciting public violence through the distribution of material linked to the planned protest. The State argued that his actions were intended to encourage participation in activities associated with the demonstration.
However, during court proceedings, the prosecution was required to present evidence connecting Karembera to the alleged offence. The court examined the evidence that had been presented by the State before reaching its decision.
Following the ruling, Karembera’s lawyer, Paida Saurombe, said the court found no evidence linking her client to the crime. She said the magistrate concluded that the prosecution had failed to establish a case against him.
“The magistrate found that there was no evidence connecting him to the crime and accordingly acquitted and discharged him,” Saurombe said.
The court ruled that the State had failed to establish a prima facie case against Karembera. As a result, the magistrate acquitted and discharged him, bringing the matter to a close after eight months of detention.
Karembera is known as a staunch supporter of former Citizens Coalition for Change leader Nelson Chamisa and has been active in opposition politics. His acquittal follows months of legal proceedings stemming from allegations connected to the planned protest.
The ruling means Karembera is now free after spending eight months in prison while facing charges of inciting public violence. The court’s decision was based on its finding that the prosecution had not produced sufficient evidence to prove its case against him.
