On 31 March, Makomborero Haruzivishe, a 28-year-old Zimbabwean human rights defender, was convicted of “inciting public violence and resisting a peace officer”. The State’s case against him was that on 5 February 2020 Haruzivishe “blew a whistle to alert protesters to pounce on police during a protest”. 

On 6 April 2021 magistrate Judith Taruvinga sentenced him to 24 months in prison with 10 months suspended. The prosecutor, Moses Mapanga, had argued for this unjustifiable custodial sentence.

Haruzivishe’s lawyers, Kossam Ncube and Obey Shava, of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, appealed against the conviction. On 3 May Justice Webster Chinamora heard submissions from both the State and defence and reserved judgment. Then, in clear violation of Haruzivishe’s rights, Justice Chinamora held on to the judgment for more than two months. Only on 15 July did he rule to grant Haruzivishe Z$10,000 bail as he said his appeal had prospects of success. 

It has been five months since Haruzivishe was wrongfully imprisoned. 

we demand the release of Makomborero Haruziviishe from incarceration as he hasn’t committed any crime. Makomborero is a youthful voice speaking against injustices carried out by Zanu Pf regime. Speaking out peacefully is not a crime !!!!

We call upon United Nations to put pressure on the government of Zimbabwe to do the right thing

#FreeMakoNow