Ten individuals from various parts of the country, arrested on Friday in Harare for allegedly participating in a public assembly organized by War Veteran, Blessed Geza, have been remanded in custody for a week.
Harare Magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai set their bail hearing for 27 October 2025.
Geza reportedly used YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp to rally the public to protest against President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption and betrayal.
The protest was scheduled to begin at Africa Unity Square, where the accused reportedly gathered on 17 October 2025, singing songs condemning the government.
Police officers from the Harare CID Law and Order unit received intelligence about the gathering and moved to arrest some attendees, while others managed to evade capture.
During the operation, detectives discovered stones and other objects concealed near the site. Later that day, two of the accused, Stephen Chagwiza (48) and Joephrey Chigerwere (70), were found hiding inside a silver Toyota Probox in central Harare.
All ten individuals have been charged with participating in a gathering with intent to incite public violence, in violation of Section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
The accused are Rose Chirenje (65), Nyarai Chigudu (52), Kenesia Jera (62), Edward Mandikutse (69), Dexter Jena (69), Hazvinei Machingura (69), Stephen Chagwiza (48), Jacob Masaraure (75), Mapengo Mapengo (57), and Joephrey Chigerwere (70).
Detective Sergeant Lovenore Chisi of the Harare CID Law and Order, who led the investigation, submitted an affidavit opposing bail. She argued that due to the seriousness of the offense, the accused may reoffend, incite further unrest, or abscond before trial.
