On 5 February 2020, the Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested human rights activist Makomborero Haruzivishe who was walking in town just like any other innocent citizen carrying on with their day-to-day activities. The human rights leader was arrested and arbitrarily detained at Harare Central Police Station without any formal charge being preferred against him. The overzealous police officers clad in riot gear proceeded to assault Leader Makomborero Haruzivishe  all over his body using booted feet clenched fists and button sticks causing numerous injuries. At the time of launching this petition, he has not been seen by a medical doctor and is being held against his will and illegally. Mr. Haruzivishe has since been accused of the spurious charge of inciting public violence and resisting arrest at the posting of this petition.

We therefore call for an immediate and unconditional release of human rights leader and activist Makomborero Haruzivishe. We demand that the state urgently provide access to medical evaluation and treatment for Mr. Haruzivishe and hold the officers who assaulted him accountable. We also demand an end to persecution by prosecution of all human rights and political activists in Zimbabwe and an end to impunity and immunity in the police force. His safety and security should be guaranteed by the government of Zimbabwe as a matter of urgency.