CWZ condemns activist’s arrest

by TINTSWALO BALOYI 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – A Zimbabwean civic organisation has expressed concern over what it describes as growing restrictions on democratic freedoms following the arrest of an activist who participated in a peaceful protest, renewing debate about the importance of protecting constitutional rights in democratic societies.

Citizens Watch Zimbabwe (CWZ) says it is concerned about the arrest of Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, the Matabeleland South chairperson of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), following a peaceful demonstration against the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028.

According to the organisation, Mbedzi participated in a protest opposing any move to alter Zimbabwe’s presidential term limits without following the constitutional process, such as conducting a national referendum.

CWZ President Patience Chard said the arrest had heightened fears among some Zimbabweans that citizens risk intimidation or prosecution for exercising rights guaranteed by the country’s Constitution.

“We cannot continue accepting what we believe are violations of the Constitution at the expense of ordinary Zimbabweans,” Chard told CAJ News Africa.

She added that peaceful demonstrations should not be treated as criminal acts.

“Citizens have the right to express their views peacefully and to hold their leaders accountable. Arresting people for participating in peaceful protests undermines public confidence in democratic institutions and discourages civic participation,” Chard said.

Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees several fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to demonstrate and present petitions peacefully.

These rights are also recognised under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other international human rights instruments, which emphasise that democratic participation is strengthened when citizens can express their views without fear, provided such activities remain peaceful and within the law.

Across democratic societies, peaceful protest has long served as an important mechanism through which citizens communicate concerns about governance, public services and national policies.

Demonstrations have historically contributed to reforms in areas such as healthcare, education, electoral governance, anti-corruption measures and public accountability.

Chard argues that governments which protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are often better positioned to build public trust, resolve grievances through dialogue and strengthen democratic institutions.

Allowing citizens to voice their concerns openly can help policymakers identify challenges early and respond before tensions escalate.

Conversely, Chard says that when sections of society believe their democratic rights are being unnecessarily restricted, frustration can deepen, confidence in public institutions may decline, and political polarisation can intensify.

For this reason, Chard insists that constitutional democracies should generally seek to balance public order with the protection of fundamental freedoms, recognising that peaceful civic participation is an essential pillar of accountable governance.

As Zimbabwe continues to navigate political and constitutional debates, civic organisations maintain that safeguarding democratic freedoms, respecting the rule of law and encouraging constructive dialogue remain essential to promoting national unity, social stability and sustainable development.

– CAJ News