Mthwakazi activist denied bail over CAB3 protest call

Political activist Bhekhimpilo Mbedzi, who was earlier reported missing amid fears that he had been abducted by State agents, appeared in court on Friday facing charges of incitement to commit public violence.

Mbedzi (41) was denied bail and remanded in custody to July 21, 2026.

According to the State, he is charged under Section 187 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, read together with provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act.

Prosecutors allege that Mbedzi incited members of the public to participate in demonstrations against the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAB3), which extends President Emmerson Mnangagwa's current term of office by two years.

The State alleges that on July 10, 2026, Mbedzi recorded and posted a video on his Facebook page urging Zimbabweans to join a planned protest scheduled for July 31, 2026.

The activist's court appearance comes after concerns were raised by supporters and rights groups over his whereabouts following reports that he had gone missing, with some alleging he had been abducted by State agents. Authorities have not publicly addressed those claims.

The matter was postponed to July 21, when Mbedzi is expected to return to court as the case proceeds.