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WELEAD founder, Namatai Kwekweza, says her abduction and torture by State agents ahead of the SADC Summit will not deter her from the pursuit of truth, Justice, and freedom for Zimbabweans. Below is Kwekweza’s statement:
<blockquote>
With a stubborn hope, strengthened resolve, and clarity of purpose I write to you with the deepest utmost gratitude for the love, solidarity, and support that Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi, and I have received which has warmed my heart.
The love and solidarity have come from many Zimbabweans and people from around the world and it deeply inspires me to have a sense of humility, hope, and courage to continue the struggle for a better Zimbabwe even after our horrific ordeal.
The messages, the prayers, the legal support, the medical support, practical assistance, and keyboard warriors have all worked together to ensure our release and it is this solidarity that kept my brothers in the struggle and me strong until day 35 when we were released on bail.
I have also received a lot of love and solidarity from the 29 courageous women who were arrested on the 16th of June along with James Timba.
The world must know that they are still at Chikurubi Maximum Female Prison and they have suffered a great deal from the brutal beatings they were subjected to on the 16th of June.
These are the people who took care of me when I arrived at Chikurubi Prison, traumatized and in pain, and the people who gave me the hope and resolve to remain strong until my release on bail. I am aware that a few of them were released, however, we all are not free until all of them are free.
We must take this moment as a nation to continue demanding the unconditional release of all political prisoners as there are many whose stories might never reach the media, but they still suffer greatly and their stories deserve to be told and heard.
On 31 July 2024, we (Chere, Gwenzi, and I) boarded a domestic flight to Victoria Falls at 12:50 and this was the start of our horrific ordeal.
We were abducted, taken to the domestic terminal at the airport which at the time was closed to the public due to renovations, tortured, held incommunicado, intimidated, interrogated by unidentified persons, and finally handed over to the police after 8 hours upon which the disorderly conduct charges were brought against us.
The persons who interrogated us kept accusing us of planning demonstrations to humiliate the country and the President during the SADC summit and they stated that we were on our way to Victoria Falls to meet more people to plan with.
All of us were clueless about the stated accusation and we were told that “when the SADC visitors came to Zimbabwe, we had to be well-behaved and not humiliate the country”.
In hindsight, I think of how silly these people sounded, and yet for those reasons we were abducted, tortured, and imprisoned.
What is further concerning is the charge of disorderly conduct at an incident that occurred while I was outside Zimbabwe. Chere and Gwenzi were also not present at the stated incident!
The issue is not about the charge of disorderly conduct, it is about the abduction and torture that happened prior ahead of the SADC summit and our abductors needing a justification for why we were held incommunicado for 8 hours before releasing us into police custody.
The conditions were we subject to after our arrest were macabre. The issue was that my co-accused were moved from remand prison to the D section of Chikurubi Maximum Prison for men and they would come to court with leg irons and handcuffs.
They were treated like dangerous criminals and it shocks me still that persons charged with disorderly conduct are treated like those charged with more serious crimes.
Of concern was Mr Chere whose injuries were extremely severe and walking in leg irons with his injuries is something that took courage and resilience. 
Prison life is difficult and prison conditions painful not only for political prisoners but for prisoners in general. 
I am thankful to the many individuals and organizations who I saw coming to visit prisoners particularly the 7th Day Adventist Church which a lot of prisoners speak highly of.
More corporations, churches, and individuals must organize programs to visit prisoners especially those with long sentences and to support some of their material needs as some of them do not get visitors to see them.
I believe Zimbabwe as a nation can do more for those in prison. I believe ordinary people and groups can work together to make our prisons better for prisoners. I pray that more people will be inspired to consistently support prisoners.
Friends and comrades, I continue the fight for a free, democratic, and safe Zimbabwe. A country in which state machinery is used to protect citizens and not weaponized against them.
In my case, I have watched in shock as different institutions have lied to keep me and my co-accused locked up for 35 days.
My conviction is in truth particularly the concept of “Satyagraha” truth force that MK Gandi believed. There are some absolute truths that can not be denied even with a thousand lies.
It is an absolute truth that I was out of Zimbabwe when the stated offence was committed. It is an absolute truth that there is an ongoing crackdown on Civil Society, activists, and any opposition to the government in Zimbabwe.
It is also an absolute truth that many of those arrested in the James Timba case are still in prison. I believe in truth and that the truth will set me free – literally!
What they arrested on the 31st of July was just my body. My spirit throughout the whole ordeal remained free!
In my heart, I have a fervent belief in the strength of the human will in its pursuit of truth, Justice, and freedom. 
I move forward in the struggle for dignity.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Namatai Kwekweza was abducted and tortured by the government before the SADC Summit. She feels grateful for the support she received during this tough time. She wants to keep fighting for a better Zimbabwe despite what happened to her. Kwekweza believes in truth and justice. Many people who were arrested with her are still in prison, and she wants them to be freed. She thinks the truth will set her free. Even though her body was arrested, her spirit remains free. Kwekweza is determined to continue fighting for justice and freedom.

They Arrested My Body, Not My Spirit - Kwekweza

Three pro-democracy campaigners—Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, and Samuel Gwenzi—were granted bail by the High Court on Wednesday, September 4.
Chere is the secretary general of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Kwekweza is a human rights activist, feminist, and constitutionalism advocate and the founder of WELEAD Trust, while Gwenzi is a CCC councillor in Harare.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) said the court’s bail conditions include a requirement for the trio to deposit an equivalent of US$150 in local currency with the clerk of court.
They must also report to the police on the last Friday of each month, avoid interfering with state witnesses, and reside at specified addresses.
The three were arrested on July 31 and charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly staging a protest at the Harare Magistrates Court.
The alleged protest aimed to demand the release of Jameson Timba, interim leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), and other opposition activists.
Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo had initially denied bail, citing concerns about the activists potentially committing further offences, causing public unrest, and interfering with state witnesses.
Chere, Kwekweza, Gwenzi, and another individual, Vusa Moyo, were forcibly removed from a plane at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by unidentified state agents.
They were held incommunicado for several hours before being handed over to the police.
Their arrest has been condemned by UN independent experts, who have called for the charges to be dropped.
The experts allege that the activists were subjected to enforced disappearance, torture, and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, including waterboarding.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three activists in Zimbabwe, Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, and Samuel Gwenzi, have been granted bail by the High Court. They were arrested for protesting and demanding the release of opposition activists. The court's bail conditions include paying money to the court, reporting to the police, and not interfering with witnesses. The activists were taken off a plane by state agents and held before being handed over to the police. United Nations experts have criticized the arrests, saying the activists were tortured. The activists can now go home while they wait for their trial.

Kwekweza, Chere And Gwenzi Finally Granted Bail

Pindula posts below a press release received from United Nations Human Rights Special Procedures. In the release UN independent experts demand the release of activists arrested by the Zimbabwean government ahead of the SADC Summit that started yesterday.
The independent experts are Special Rapporteurs, part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is UN’s independent fact-finding and monitoring around the world.
Says the release:
<blockquote>
GENEVA (15 August 2024) – The Zimbabwean authorities must immediately release human rights defenders who have been arbitrarily detained for over two weeks and drop charges against them, independent human rights experts* said today.
Woman human rights defender Namatai Kwekweza, teacher and labour rights defender Robson Chere, the Secretary-General of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), along with local councilor for Harare Ward 5, Samuel Gwenzi, were forcibly removed from a departing flight at Harare Airport on 31 July 2024. Unidentified men escorted the three to a high security zone within the airport and held them incommunicado for eight hours. During this time, the three were reportedly subjected to enforced disappearance, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including waterboarding. Additionally, they were severely threatened against protesting in advance of or during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit scheduled for 17 to 19 August 2024 in Harare.
“The enforced disappearance, incommunicado detention and torture, followed by the arbitrary detention of these human rights defenders is inexcusable, and not only violates international human rights law but also makes a mockery of the safeguards contained in Zimbabwe’s own Constitution,” the experts said.
At around 9PM on 31 July 2024, the human rights defenders were handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Harare Central Police Station, when they were informed, for the first time, that they were facing charges of “disorderly conduct” under section 41 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act. These charges relate to their alleged participation in a demonstration calling for the release of a detained opposition politician. Namatai Kwekweza was apparently not even in Zimbabwe at the time of the demonstration in question.
The experts said, “These baseless charges are being used as a fig-leaf to target human rights defenders and opposition voices for calling for greater democracy, human rights and accountability in Zimbabwe. At a time when Zimbabwe is preparing to host the SADC summit, whose values include institutions that are “democratic, legitimate, and effective”, it is unconscionable that these human rights defenders working to strengthen such institutions remain arbitrarily detained.”
The release of the human rights defenders on bail has been opposed by the prosecutor and a further bail hearing has been scheduled for tomorrow, 16 August 2024.
The experts have been in touch with the Government of Zimbabwe on the issue.
</blockquote>

UN experts are demanding that activists arrested by the Zimbabwean government be released immediately. These activists were taken from an airport, tortured, and held incommunicado. They are facing charges for protesting. The experts say these charges are unfair and target those who speak out for democracy and human rights. The activists were supposed to be released on bail but the prosecutor is opposing it. The UN experts are working with the Zimbabwean government to resolve this issue.

UN Independent Experts Demand Release of Kwekweza, Chere and Other Activists

Pro-democracy activists Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, and Samuel Gwenzi were denied bail on Friday, 16 August, by Harare Magistrate Ruth Moyo.
The three were arrested on July 31 and charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly staging a protest at the Harare Magistrates Court demanding the release of jailed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim leader Jameson Timba and other opposition activists.
Magistrate Moyo cited several reasons for denying bail, including the activists’ potential to commit further offences, the likelihood of causing public unrest if released, and the risk of interfering with state witnesses.
Kwekweza, Chere, Gwenzi, and another individual, Vusa Moyo, were forcibly removed from a plane at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport by unidentified state agents. They were held incommunicado for several hours before being handed over to the police.
Separately, activist Briggs Bomba, who serves as the Programs Director for TrustAfrica—a pan-African foundation promoting democratic governance—recently escaped a possible abduction.
Reports indicate that heavily armed individuals believed to be state security agents raided a leisure facility operated by Bomba while searching for him; however, he was not there at the time.
In a statement released on 14 August, Bomba claimed that “paranoid” government officials act on “flawed intelligence” to unjustly imprison innocent people Said Bomba:
<blockquote>
This attempt on my life echoes the broader crackdown on civil society ahead of the SADC Heads of State summit on August 17, 2024, in Harare.
The government has detained dozens of activists as part of this crackdown. It appears that the government misguidedly connected the 5th African Philanthropy Conference, co-hosted by TrustAfrica from July 29 to August 2, 2024, in Victoria Falls, with planned protests during the SADC summit in Harare.
Four individuals travelling to the conference, Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusa Moyo, were detained at the Harare airport and are still in custody two weeks later.
The four were interrogated about the conference, and in the process of these interrogations, it became evident that state agents were circling around my name.
It’s surprising that the state would perceive an event like the African Philanthropy Conference as a threat…
It is alarming to witness the unjust treatment of innocent citizens due to the state’s paranoia and ill-informed intelligence.
For instance, Vusa Moyo, a well-known sound engineer, was detained on his way to Victoria Falls to manage the sound for a musical performance during an official dinner. Despite being innocent, he has been held in prison without bail for two weeks.
Equally, Namatai Kwekweza, Robson Chere, and Samuel Gwenzi are all innocent civil society leaders who were part of the local participants, yet they continue to be detained without bail.
This situation serves as an indefensible indictment of state leadership today – exposing the grave dangers posed by a paranoid leadership operating with flawed intelligence.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three pro-democracy activists, Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, and Samuel Gwenzi, were denied bail by a judge. They were arrested for protesting for the release of other activists. The judge said they might commit more crimes and cause trouble if released. Another activist, Briggs Bomba, also faced danger from armed individuals. He said the government is wrongfully detaining innocent people. The government is being criticized for its actions, which are seen as unfair and dangerous. The activists are still in custody, and people are concerned about the government's actions.

Pro-Democracy Activists Chere, Kwekweza, And Gwenzi Denied Bail

Zimbabwe has rejected a call from United Nations experts to release several activists who have been arrested and detained by authorities in recent weeks.
On Thursday, August 15, the UN experts, including Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, urged Zimbabwean authorities to take action to free the human rights defenders currently in custody.
In response, Zimbabwean Government Spokesperson Ndavaningi Mangwana stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Zimbabwe is a sovereign nation and will not tolerate any interference in its internal affairs. Said Mangwana:
<blockquote>
No country’s sovereignty can be compromised! The rule of law must be upheld within each nation’s borders. Even the [United Nations Human Rights Council] cannot interfere with the implementation of a country’s laws. Respect for sovereignty is paramount!
</blockquote>
Among those arrested by Zimbabwean authorities in recent weeks are woman human rights defender Namatai Kwekweza, teacher and labour rights defender Robson Chere, the Secretary-General of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), and local councillor for Harare Ward 5, Samuel Gwenzi.
The nature of the arrests has drawn widespread condemnation as the activists were forcibly removed from a departing flight at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on 31 July 2024. Said the UN experts:
<blockquote>
Unidentified men escorted the three to a high-security zone within the airport and held them incommunicado for eight hours.
During this time, the three were reportedly subjected to enforced disappearance, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including waterboarding.
Additionally, they were severely threatened against protesting in advance of or during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit scheduled for 17 to 19 August 2024 in Harare…
At around 9 PM on 31 July 2024, the human rights defenders were handed over to the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Harare Central Police Station, when they were informed, for the first time, that they were facing charges of “disorderly conduct” under section 41 of the Criminal Law Codification and Reform Act.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe refused to free activists held by the government, despite a plea from UN experts. The government says it won't let other countries interfere. The activists were arrested recently, including human rights defender Namatai Kwekweza. They were taken from the airport and held in a high-security area. The UN experts say they were tortured and threatened. The activists were later handed over to the police and charged with disorderly conduct. The government's actions have been criticized by many people.

Zimbabwe Rejects UN Experts' Call To Release Detained Activists

Lawyers representing pro-democracy campaigners Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza, Samuel Gwenzi and Vusumuzi Moyo have accused the prosecution of employing delaying tactics to cause further suffering to their clients.
This was after the bail hearing proceedings of the four only started 20 minutes before the end of working hours on Monday.
Vusumuzi Moyo engaged a new lawyer who asked for the matter to be heard in the afternoon on Monday, and his bail application will now be heard on Wednesday.
However, lawyers representing Chere, Kwekweza and Gwenzi were ready to proceed in the morning.
One of their lawyers, Jeremiah Bamu, said they were not happy with how the state has been handling the case. Said Bamu (via <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/tortured-activist-chere-yet-to-be-treated-as-court-delays-bail-hearing/">ZimLive</a>):
<blockquote>
You will note that whenever we start these court proceedings, the prosecutors will take endless hours rumbling over worthless submissions to delay time.
They only start bail proceedings when we have less than 30 minutes left which is a delaying tactic; they take this as a game.
They simply want to prolong the suffering of the applicants.
</blockquote>
Appearing for the state, Anesu Chirenje opposed bail and called the investigating officer who said the three should remain in custody. Said Chirenje:
<blockquote>
The accused persons have interests outside the country and we are afraid that they will flee from this country’s jurisdiction. Chere has other pending cases before the court.
We have not yet verified the addresses of the accused person… You will note that Kwekweza was in Germany recently; so, she has interests outside Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Chere, who was allegedly brutally assaulted and tortured following the activists’ abduction at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Wednesday, has yet to receive any medical treatment for the injuries sustained during the assault, even after being handed over to the police.
The bail hearing continues this Tuesday.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Lawyers are saying that the government is purposely causing delays in court to make the pro-democracy campaigners suffer more. Some of the activists had their bail hearing start very late in the day, and the lawyers believe the prosecution is playing games by prolonging the process. The state is opposing bail, saying the activists have connections outside the country and may run away. One of the activists, Chere, was badly hurt during an abduction but has not received medical help yet. The bail hearing is still ongoing.

Lawyers Accuse State Of Delaying Tactics To Further Torment Pro-Democracy Campaigners

The lawyers representing four pro-democracy activists arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport last Wednesday have described the horrific mistreatment their clients endured at the hands of state security agents.
Namatai Kwekweza, the recipient of the prestigious Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize in 2023, Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumuzi Moyo were dragged out from a plane bound for Victoria Falls, and reportedly tortured while being held incommunicado for hours.
The four pro-democracy activists appeared before the Harare Magistrate Court on Friday, facing charges of disorderly conduct.
They were accused of involvement in a demonstration protesting the detention of Jameson Timba, a leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) faction.
As reported by <a href="https://cite.org.zw/lawyers-detail-brutal-treatment-of-pro-democracy-campaigners/">CITE</a>, during the court proceedings, the activists’ lawyers – Jeremiah Bhamu, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa, Roseline Hanzi, and Charles Kwaramba from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) – described the systematic assault their clients had endured.
One of the activists, Kwekweza, was subjected to particularly cruel treatment. Fully aware of her recent dental procedure, one of her assailants deliberately shoved a shoe and metal bar into her mouth, inflicting excruciating pain.
She was also threatened with further violence if she refused to cooperate. Her phone, laptop, and passport were also seized.
The lawyers said Kwekweza was not even in Zimbabwe when the alleged crime was committed at the Harare Magistrate Court on June 27, 2024.
Moyo who is said to be a sound engineer for a prominent musician was also beaten up.
Chere, the secretary general of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), was allegedly beaten with an iron bar, leaving him with bloodshot eyes for two days. His phone was also used to record the assault.
Chere’s ordeal continued with waterboarding, and his dreadlocks were forcibly cut off.
His lawyers detailed how the assailants threatened to kill him or rape his wife if any demonstrations took place ahead of the SADC Summit. They also made chilling threats against his family.
Harare councillor Samuel Gwenzi was allegedly struck with open palms and iron bars, and ordered to chant ZANU-PF slogans and declare his Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party a “Western puppet party.”
Gwenzi’s captors even threatened to harm his children. His phone was also seized, and he was subjected to further beatings.
The assailants additionally threatened to kill other opposition leaders, including Gift Ostallos Siziba and Takudzwa Ngadziore, if they planned any protests.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Four pro-democracy activists were mistreated by state security agents after being arrested at the airport. The activists were dragged from a plane and tortured while held incommunicado for hours. They appeared in court facing charges of disorderly conduct for protesting a leader's detention. The lawyers representing them described the brutal treatment they endured. One activist had a shoe and metal bar shoved into her mouth, while another had his dreadlocks forcibly cut off and was threatened with violence against his family. The activists were also threatened with harm if they planned any protests.

Pro-Democracy Activists Describe Brutal Mistreatment By State Agents

Namatai Kwekweza, the recipient of the prestigious Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize in 2023, along with three other Zimbabwean activists – Robson Chere, Samuel Gwenzi, and Vusumuzi Moyo – have been remanded in custody after being arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Wednesday.
The four activists were dragged out from a plane at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Wednesday and arrested by state security agents.
They have been charged with disorderly conduct and were brought before the Harare Magistrates Court on Friday.
Magistrate Ruth Moyo has ordered the activists to remain in custody until their bail application is heard on Monday, August 5th.
The prosecution has indicated that it needs to call the investigating officer and file written submissions opposing bail. Their lawyer, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa said:
<blockquote>
It’s been alleged that they were part of alleged demonstrators who demonstrated at this courtroom premise on the 27th of June 2024.
We laid several complaints regarding the manner in which our clients were arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport, in relation to the torture, which they were subjected to before surrendering to the police officers.
The prosecution made an application that the bail application be postponed to Monday, which we were not agreeable to because we were ready to be heard on bail and we were on the court premises.
They were subjected to torture in the form of physical assault, as well as mental torture, and psychological torture and they also had their mobile phones forcibly taken away from them.
Robson Chere is injured, we notified the court that the doctor advised him that he requires immediate hospitalisation and medical attention.
</blockquote>
According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), one of the questions asked by their interrogators was: “What demonstrations were planned during the SADC Summit?”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Namatai Kwekweza, a respected activist, and three others were arrested in Zimbabwe. They were accused of causing trouble and appeared in court. The activists have to stay in jail until Monday for a bail hearing. They were treated badly by the police and one of them is hurt and needs medical help. They were asked about planned protests during a summit. The situation is being watched by human rights lawyers. The activists are fighting for their rights and need support.

Namatai Kwekweza, Three Other Activists To Spend Weekend Behind Bars

Robson Chere, the Secretary General of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), pro-democracy campaigner Namatai Kwekweza, and opposition councillor Samuel Gwenzi were reportedly removed from a plane at the Robert Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe on Wednesday, July 31st.
Kwekweza is the leader of the WeLead Trust, while Gwenzi is the Harare City Council’s Ward 5 councillor, having won the seat during the 2023 general elections under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party ticket.
According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the three individuals had already boarded the plane when they were taken off the plane by state security agents. It said:
<blockquote>
We are greatly concerned about the whereabouts of pro-democracy campaigner Kwekweza and two other people, who reached out to us after they were removed from a plane at Robert Mugabe International Airport.
We are trying to ascertain their whereabouts and what is happening to them.
</blockquote>
The Kofi Annan Foundation also weighed in, demanding to know the whereabouts of Namatai Kwekweza. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Foundation said:
<blockquote>
We are deeply concerned about reports that Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize winner [Namatai Kwekweza] has been detained by security services in Harare.
We call on the Zimbabwean authorities to confirm her whereabouts and explain what charges are being brought against her. Without charges, Namatai should be released immediately.
</blockquote>
In a subsequent update, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) reported that they were finally granted access to the three individuals after they had been held in incommunicado detention for at least 8 hours. It added:
<blockquote>
Robson was visibly tortured and in severe pain. They have been advised that their charge is disorderly conduct.
The allegations are they participated in a demonstration at Rotten Row when Jameson Timba and others appeared in court.
They are spending the night at Harare Central police station. At RGM Airport, they were held incommunicado by state agents.
</blockquote>
In a statement, the Information for Development Trust revealed that the trio intended to travel to Victoria Falls and attend the 5th African Philanthropic Conference. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
ZIMBABWEAN authorities on Wednesday 31 July 2024 forcibly removed four pro-democracy campaigners from a plane, which they had boarded in Harare and held them in incommunicado detention for several hours.
The four pro-democracy campaigners namely Namatai Kwekweza, the leader of WeLead Trust, Robson Chere, the Secretary-General of Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), Samuel Gwenzi, a former Councillor for Harare Ward 5 and Vusumuzi Moyo, were ejected by some unidentified people from an aircraft at Robert Mugabe International Airport, where they intended to travel to Victoria Falls and attend the 5th African Philanthropic Conference, which is an annual gathering of civil society policy influencers and other stakeholders, which is currently underway in the resort town.
Human rights lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) unsuccessfully tried to get access to Kwekweza, Chere, Gwenzi and Moyo after they requested legal assistance and were held in incommunicado detention for about eight hours before their legal practitioners eventually located them.
Chere sustained some injuries after he was tortured by the captors, who reportedly used some planks and iron roads to torture him.
The quartet, who are represented by Kelvin Kabaya, Jeremiah Bamu and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of ZLHR, was detained overnight at Harare Central Police Station and were charged with disorderly conduct with Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers alleging that they participated in an unsanctioned demonstration held at Harare Magistrates Court in June, where they protested against the detention of Citizens Coalition for Change political party leader Jameson Timba and some of the opposition party members and demanding their release from prison.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Three activists in Zimbabwe were taken off a plane by security agents. One is a leader of a teachers' union, another is a pro-democracy campaigner, and the third is an opposition councilor. They were taken off the plane by state security agents even though they had already boarded. The Kofi Annan Foundation is asking for information about one of the activists. The activists were held in detention for eight hours and allegedly tortured before being charged with disorderly conduct. They were trying to travel to a conference but were stopped by the authorities.

Three Zimbabwean Activists Removed From Plane By Security Agents

Zimbabwean pro-democracy activist <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Namatai_Kwekweza">Namatai Kwekweza</a> has won the inaugural Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize.
The 25-year-old development enthusiast founded and registered WELEAD Trust when she was (18) eighteen years old.
The Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize was launched by the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) and the Democracy and Culture Foundation (DCF).
It is awarded to a young leader aged between 18 and 30 and presented each year at the Athens Democracy Forum.
According to the <a href="https://www.kofiannanfoundation.org/nextgenprize/#:~:text=The%20aim%20is%20to%20recognise,and%20selects%20the%20award%20recipient.&amp;text=The%20winner%20receives%20an%20award,with%20a%20recognised%20democracy%20expert.">Kofi Annan Foundation website</a>, the aim is to recognise exceptional leadership and inspire more young people to commit to the advancement of democracy.
The winner receives an award of US$10 000 and a one-year mentorship with a recognised democracy expert.
On Thursday, 06 July, the Athens Democracy Forum announced that Kwekweza was the winner of the inaugural NextGen Democracy Prize. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/100052884473305/posts/803381578101317/?app=fbl">It said</a>:
<blockquote>
Together with the Kofi Annan Foundation, we’re very happy to announce that Namatai Kwekweza is the winner of the inaugural NextGen Democracy Prize.
Founder and Director of WELEAD Trust, Namatai is a national activist from Zimbabwe who fearlessly mobilizes young people to protect democracy and the rule of law.
Despite persecution, her influence extends regionally and internationally. Through WELEAD Trust, she promotes youth participation, leadership, and advocacy, and is recognized for her passion, intelligence, and commitment.
We would like to congratulate and thank all nominees and all finalists. As we reflect on this first year of the prize, it was heartwarming to see so many incredible and powerful initiatives led by amazing young leaders throughout the world.
The NextGen Democracy Prize, launched by the Kofi Annan Foundation (KAF) and the Democracy and Culture Foundation, is awarded to a young leader aged between 18 and 30 and will be presented each year at the Athens Democracy Forum.
The award recognises exceptional leadership, and its aim is to inspire more young people to commit to the advancement of democracy.
</blockquote>
Namatai was arrested on 19 June 2020 during a protest against public hearings for Constitutional Amendment No. 2 Bill.
Allegations were that on 19 June 2020 around 3 PM Kwekweza and Esther Vongai Zimudzi went to New Government Complex (now Mgandane Dlodlo Building), corner Central Avenue and Fourth Street (now Simon Muzenda Street) in Harare, intending to hand over a petition to Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs minister Ziyambi Ziyambi in which they expressed their disagreement with the Constitution Amendment No. 2 Bill public hearings held nationwide.
She was released on ZWL$3 000 bail on 22 June 2020.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Namatai Kwekweza Wins Inaugural Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize

Harare magistrate Vongai Muchuchutu-Guwuriro on Thursday acquitted pro-democracy campaigners Namatai Kwekweza and Vongai Zimudzi of charges of promoting public violence.
The duo was being represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) Rudo Bere and Tinashe Chinox.
Kwekweza and Zimudzi had been on trial after they were arrested by police in June 2020 for allegedly gathering at the New Government Complex, where they intended to hand a petition to Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The duo was protesting against the holding of public hearings into proposed amendments to the Constitution.
Magistrate Muchuchutu-Guwuriro ruled that the State failed to prove a prima facie case against the two and also that the placards which they allegedly held during the protest were not produced in court to show that a crime was committed.
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

Pro-democracy Campaigners Kwekweza And Zimudzi Acquitted

Namatai Kwekweza has won the prestigious Next Generation Foresight Practitioners award that has also landed her a spot as a fellow on the panel of 2020 School of International Futures. Kwekwedza ward the award for driving a  youth-friendly constitutional and governance reforms in Zimbabwe according to the Next Generation Foresights organisation.
This was revealed by the organisation on its website. The organisation revealed that Namatai received the Walkabout Prize which is a price given to practitioners aged between 18 and 25 for doing great things to create a better future and that she bit 15 other contestants to win the prize which also includes $5000 prize money.
Announcing Namatai and another winner for the Walkabout Prize, the organisation said:
<blockquote>
The <a href="https://nextgenforesight.org/walkabout-prizes">Walkabout prizes</a> were won by Finn Strivens from the UK for his work using participatory methods to help young people and non-scientists to engage with science, and Namatai Kwekweza from Zimbabwe, for her work to to drive youth friendly constitutional and governance reforms in Zimbabwe and disrupt ageist normative frameworks
The Walkabout prizes are a new initiative for NGFP2020, designed for 18-25 year olds. Winners are recognised for their work advocating for futures thinking and change in their communities. Each of the other NGFP Fellows receives a Special Award for their work in a particular sector or geography. This year we awarded seventeen special awards to outstanding individual or team applications from different sectors or geographies, and we are delighted to be able to support the Africa and Asia Fellows with USD 5,000 in funding.
</blockquote>
Namatai has headlined for <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/07/15/anti-constitutional-amendments-activist-namatai-kwekweza-arrested-again/">protesting against the government’s human rights abuses</a> and has been arrested more than once for her activism.
More: <a href="https://nextgenforesight.org/2020-awards/">Next-Generation Foresights </a>

Namatai Kwekweza Wins The Next Generation Foresight Practitioners Award, Becomes A School of International Futures 2020 Fellow

Pro-democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza says her home is under constant surveillance by unknown vehicles and people who only leave when she leaves home.
The 21-year-old, a  member of WeLead Organisation for Young People, has been arrested twice by police in the past few weeks for her indefatigable campaign against proposed constitutional amendments.
Following her arrest in Harare on Monday last week alongside Youngerson Matete aged 29 years and Prince Gora aged 24 years, police seized her phone and have kept it up to now. She posted on <a href="https://twitter.com/namataik_/status/1285311863992000512" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>:
<blockquote>So that it is on record, there are still vehicles that show up outside my home. There are still people who show up and only leave when I leave home. All people in Zimbabwe should be on high alert. Something is cooking but we can not be afraid. We must love this country.
… ZRP and the state are desperate. Last week with no warrant to confiscate our phones, they forced us to surrender them upon our arrest and almost arrested our lawyer who was demanding them back. To date they still have them. Those people are thugs.</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s so-called new dispensation has launched a crackdown on pro-democracy activists, trade unionists, opposition politicians, prominent journalists and human rights lawyers, saying “no-one is above the law”.

Eerie Vehicles Monitor 21-year-old Pro-democracy Activist's Movements

A political activist, Namatai Kwekweza, was arrested by police in Harare on Monday, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has revealed.
However, the charges preferred against her have not yet been ascertained.
Namatai (22), a member of WeLead Organisation for Young People, has been arrested for the second time in less than one month.
On June 19, she was arrested together with Vongai Zimudzi (23) for allegedly protesting against proposed constitutional amendments.
Namatai and Vongai allegedly went to New Government Complex, corner Central Avenue and Fourth Street in Harare, intending to hand over a petition to Justice and Parliamentary minister Ziyambi Ziyambi voicing their disapproval of the proposed constitutional amendments.
They were charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence.
They were granted $3 000 bail each and are due to appear in court again on July 20.
As part of the bail conditions, the two were ordered to continue residing at their present addresses, report once a week to the police and surrender their passports by Harare magistrate Barbra Mateko.

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