Fundraising campaign launched for Madzibaba VeShanduko

Journalist and government critic Hopewell Chin'ono has launched a fundraising campaign to assist opposition activist Godfrey Karembera, popularly known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, following his acquittal after spending eight months in pre-trial detention.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Chin'ono said Karembera was facing severe financial difficulties and was struggling to provide for his family following his release from prison.

"I received a call from MadziBaba VeShanduko. He is facing serious financial difficulties and is struggling to pay his children’s school fees and provide for their basic upkeep," Chin'ono wrote.

"He spent eight months in prison for a political crime he did not commit before later being acquitted by the courts. We have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help him rebuild his life and support his family during this difficult period."

According to the fundraising appeal, Karembera's homestead was destroyed by fire and he is now facing significant economic hardship after spending months in custody without an income.

The campaign states that the funds will be used to assist him in rebuilding his life, supporting his children and meeting the immediate needs of his family.

"His homestead was burnt down and he is now living rough with his family. After eight months in prison and without an income, he can no longer afford school fees for his children or provide for his family’s basic needs," the campaign states.

The fundraising effort comes just days after Karembera was acquitted alongside fellow activists Jim Kunaka and Jestere Malcom Masarira.

The trio had been charged with inciting public violence in connection with planned anti-government demonstrations in October 2025.

Prosecutors alleged that they were involved in mobilising support for demonstrations linked to a proposed "one million-man march" associated with the late war veteran Blessed Geza.

The State claimed that approximately 7,200 flyers encouraging citizens to participate in demonstrations at Africa Unity Square and Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square had been recovered following a police operation in Glen View.

Karembera was also accused of circulating a video encouraging participation in the planned protests.

However, Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a case against the accused persons.

The court found the evidence presented by the State insufficient and acquitted Karembera, Kunaka and Masarira without requiring them to present a defence.

The acquittal brought to an end eight months of incarceration for Karembera, who had repeatedly been denied bail throughout the duration of the proceedings, while his co-accused attended trial from outside custody.

Supporters say the fundraising campaign is intended to help him rebuild his life following the lengthy detention and the financial difficulties that followed, while also assisting his family with immediate living expenses and educational costs.

The campaign has begun attracting attention on social media, with supporters urging members of the public to contribute towards helping the activist and his family recover from the economic and personal challenges they have faced over the past year.