Chamisa ally acquitted after 8 months in prison

Prominent opposition activist Godfrey Karembera, popularly known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, has been acquitted of charges linked to alleged anti-government mobilisation after spending eight months in prison.

Karembera, a 47-year-old supporter of former Citizens Coalition for Change leader Nelson Chamisa, was arrested in October 2025 following a police manhunt in connection with allegations of inciting public violence.

His lawyer, Paida Saurombe, confirmed that the court found insufficient evidence linking Karembera to the charges.

"The magistrate found that there was no evidence connecting him to the crime and accordingly acquitted and discharged him," Saurombe said.

Prosecutors alleged that Karembera fled from police during a high-speed chase while distributing flyers in Harare high-density suburbs, including Machipisa, Glen View and Budiriro.

The charges were linked to preparations for the so-called One Million Men March, a planned protest initiative associated with the late war veteran Blessed Geza, which was aimed at protesting against alleged corruption and governance failures within President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration.

The State had accused Karembera of inciting public violence through the distribution of material connected to the proposed demonstration.

However, the magistrate ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused, resulting in his acquittal and immediate discharge.

The ruling brings an end to a case that had drawn attention within political and civil rights circles, particularly given Karembera's high-profile activism and alignment with opposition political movements.

His release is expected to be welcomed by opposition supporters who have long argued that political expression should not be criminalised.