Zimbabwe villagers arrested over anti-government TikTok posts

Four villagers from Mhondoro-Ngezi are being held in police custody after being arrested over alleged participation in an anti-government protest and the publication of TikTok videos calling for opposition to the Government.

The arrests are the latest in a series of actions against activists and opposition supporters following the enactment of Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026, which has attracted criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and churches.

The four - Campson Takawira (53), Tawanda Mabhande (46), Ireen Mudyanevana (35) and Miriam Koroni (40) - were arrested on July 28 and charged under Section 37(1)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace and bigotry.

Prosecutors allege that on July 25, the four, who are members of the opposition National Progressive Democrats (NPD), convened a flash demonstration at Takawira's homestead in Matemavi village.

They allegedly sang political songs while wearing party regalia and recorded videos that were subsequently posted on TikTok.

The prosecution alleges that one of the posts carried the message: "Mhondoro-Ngezi is ready to remove the Zanu-PF system. #31 July we are unstoppable."

The four appeared before Kadoma resident magistrate Charity Tonongera on August 4, where their application for bail was dismissed.

The magistrate reportedly ruled that the accused had a propensity to commit further offences if released.

They are represented by lawyer Makanaka James of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and are expected back in court on August 18.

The arrests come amid heightened tensions surrounding Amendment No. 3, which was signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in July.

Among other changes, the amendments extend the terms of Parliament and local authorities from five to seven years and change the manner in which the President is elected.

Critics contend that the amendments weaken direct electoral participation and could allow Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond the 2028 election cycle.

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches has also renewed calls for a national referendum on the amendments, warning that the legislation has deepened political divisions rather than resolved the dispute over its legitimacy.

The crackdown has extended beyond Mhondoro-Ngezi.

In July, Matabeleland South activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, who chairs the Job Sikhala-led National Democratic Working Group in the province, was arrested and charged with inciting public violence after allegedly posting a video urging Zimbabweans to reject the constitutional changes.

Mbedzi was subsequently granted bail.

The authorities also mounted a heavy security operation ahead of calls for a nationwide shutdown on July 31, with opposition activists and civil society groups warning of arrests for those participating in unsanctioned demonstrations.

Human rights organisations have criticised the arrests, arguing that citizens should not be prosecuted merely for peacefully expressing opposition to the constitutional amendments.

The cases have further intensified debate over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.