Calls grow for Mbedzi’s release

by NQOBANI MATHIBELA
GWANDA – CALLS are mounting for the immediate release of Matabeleland South political activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi after images of him appearing in court in leg irons triggered widespread criticism from rights advocates and social media users across Southern Africa.

Mbedzi, the Matabeleland South provincial chairperson of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), is in custody after allegedly expressing his intention to participate in protests against constitutional changes that critics say would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure and remove citizens’ right to directly elect the Head of State.

Award-winning Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono condemned the activist’s detention, arguing that Mbedzi had neither committed nor advocated violence but had merely exercised his constitutional right to express dissent and call for adherence to the Constitution.

According to Chin’ono, Mbedzi has been denied bail and appeared before the court in shackles that visibly swollen his ankles.

“Shackling a peaceful political activist in this manner is not the conduct of a government confident in its own legitimacy,” Chin’ono said.

“It is the conduct of a government that fears dissent and seeks to intimidate those who demand constitutionalism and accountability.”

He argued that criminalising peaceful political expression risked eroding young Zimbabweans’ confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Chin’ono maintained that Mbedzi should be released immediately, describing him as “a citizen asking his government to abide by its own Constitution” rather than an enemy of the State.

The case has generated extensive reaction on social media.

Some commentators described the activist as a symbol of resistance against political repression, while others urged Zimbabweans to mobilise peacefully in defence of constitutional rights.

Political commentator Tau Kgetjepe said meaningful political and economic freedom required collective action by Zimbabwean citizens, arguing that long-term national development depended on democratic reform rather than migration.

Another user, posting under the name Force, called on Zimbabwean youth to demonstrate peacefully and demand Mbedzi’s unconditional release, warning that silence in the face of injustice only allowed such actions to continue.

Others questioned the response of regional and continental bodies, including the African Union (AU), while some criticised what they described as inconsistent international attention to alleged human rights abuses in Zimbabwe.

However, some social media users argued that Zimbabweans themselves should take greater responsibility for confronting political challenges in their country.

Authorities have not publicly responded to the criticism surrounding Mbedzi’s detention or the use of restraints during his court appearance.

The case has renewed debate over civil liberties, constitutional governance and the treatment of political activists in Zimbabwe as calls continue for his release.

– CAJ News