News / National
Man spends second night in prison over viral Mnangagwa, Chivayo criticism
25 Jun 2026 at 08:26hrs |
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A Chiredzi man arrested on allegations of incitement to commit public violence after posting a viral video criticising President Emmerson Mnangagwa and businessman Wicknell Chivayo spent a second night in custody on Wednesday after failing to secure bail.
Tafadzwa Nelston Matanhuse, 32, remained behind bars after the Chiredzi Magistrates Court reserved its ruling on his bail application until Thursday afternoon.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), which is representing Matanhuse, confirmed that he appeared before the Chiredzi Magistrates Court on Wednesday where his bail application was heard.
"In Chiredzi, 32-year-old Nelton Matanhuse is spending his second night in detention awaiting the Chiredzi Magistrates Court's decision on his bail application following his arrest on Tuesday," the organisation said in a statement.
Matanhuse was arrested after a video circulated on social media in which he accused Mnangagwa and Chivayo of being responsible for the demolition of vendors' stalls in Chiredzi. He alleged that the operation had stripped many families of their livelihoods and left them struggling to survive.
In the video, Matanhuse referred to Mnangagwa and Chivayo as "dogs" and accused them of being selfish and indifferent to the hardships faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.
He also criticised Chivayo's widely publicised donations of luxury vehicles, arguing that wealthy individuals continued to prosper while ordinary citizens were left to endure worsening economic conditions.
Matanhuse further claimed that the President would no longer prioritise the welfare of citizens following Parliament's approval of legislation extending the terms of local authorities and aligning elections to 2030.
His arrest has attracted condemnation from human rights advocates and opposition figures, who argue that it reflects shrinking space for freedom of expression.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere described the arrest as evidence of a government that punishes citizens for speaking out against economic hardship.
"The despicable arrest of Tafadzwa Matanhuse tells us everything we need to know about this Government. They are anti-poor, anti-progress and anti-people," Mahere said.
She accused authorities of criminalising criticism after destroying people's livelihoods, describing the charge against Matanhuse as an attempt to silence dissent.
Chiredzi Central legislator Ropafadzo Makumire said dozens of vendors filled the courtroom during Wednesday's proceedings in a show of solidarity with Matanhuse.
"We stand in solidarity with him because we believe he was raising concerns about the impact of the demolitions on vendors and their families," Makumire said.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on Matanhuse's bail application on Thursday afternoon.
Tafadzwa Nelston Matanhuse, 32, remained behind bars after the Chiredzi Magistrates Court reserved its ruling on his bail application until Thursday afternoon.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), which is representing Matanhuse, confirmed that he appeared before the Chiredzi Magistrates Court on Wednesday where his bail application was heard.
"In Chiredzi, 32-year-old Nelton Matanhuse is spending his second night in detention awaiting the Chiredzi Magistrates Court's decision on his bail application following his arrest on Tuesday," the organisation said in a statement.
Matanhuse was arrested after a video circulated on social media in which he accused Mnangagwa and Chivayo of being responsible for the demolition of vendors' stalls in Chiredzi. He alleged that the operation had stripped many families of their livelihoods and left them struggling to survive.
In the video, Matanhuse referred to Mnangagwa and Chivayo as "dogs" and accused them of being selfish and indifferent to the hardships faced by ordinary Zimbabweans.
He also criticised Chivayo's widely publicised donations of luxury vehicles, arguing that wealthy individuals continued to prosper while ordinary citizens were left to endure worsening economic conditions.
Matanhuse further claimed that the President would no longer prioritise the welfare of citizens following Parliament's approval of legislation extending the terms of local authorities and aligning elections to 2030.
His arrest has attracted condemnation from human rights advocates and opposition figures, who argue that it reflects shrinking space for freedom of expression.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere described the arrest as evidence of a government that punishes citizens for speaking out against economic hardship.
"The despicable arrest of Tafadzwa Matanhuse tells us everything we need to know about this Government. They are anti-poor, anti-progress and anti-people," Mahere said.
She accused authorities of criminalising criticism after destroying people's livelihoods, describing the charge against Matanhuse as an attempt to silence dissent.
Chiredzi Central legislator Ropafadzo Makumire said dozens of vendors filled the courtroom during Wednesday's proceedings in a show of solidarity with Matanhuse.
"We stand in solidarity with him because we believe he was raising concerns about the impact of the demolitions on vendors and their families," Makumire said.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on Matanhuse's bail application on Thursday afternoon.
Source - newzimbabwe
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