Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 183
- 97
South African activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma has called for the release of Zimbabwean activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, urging President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to respect citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Ngobese-Zuma said Mbedzi’s detention was linked to his efforts to organise a peaceful demonstration for citizens to express their concerns. She called on African human rights organisations to intervene and ensure that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are protected.
Mbedzi, the Matabeleland South chairperson of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), was arrested at his Beitbridge home on 15 July 2026 and charged with allegedly inciting an unlawful gathering. His supporters say the charges stem from a video in which he called on Zimbabweans to peacefully oppose Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 and participate in planned demonstrations.
Human rights groups and civic organisations have since raised concerns over his continued detention, arguing that his arrest threatens constitutional freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
The Zimbabwean authorities have maintained that legal processes are being followed, with Mbedzi facing the charges before the courts.
Ngobese-Zuma said she stands in solidarity with Zimbabweans seeking a better future and called for greater regional attention to human rights issues affecting citizens across Africa.
Source: Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma statement; CITE Zimbabwe.
Ngobese-Zuma said Mbedzi’s detention was linked to his efforts to organise a peaceful demonstration for citizens to express their concerns. She called on African human rights organisations to intervene and ensure that freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are protected.
Mbedzi, the Matabeleland South chairperson of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG), was arrested at his Beitbridge home on 15 July 2026 and charged with allegedly inciting an unlawful gathering. His supporters say the charges stem from a video in which he called on Zimbabweans to peacefully oppose Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 and participate in planned demonstrations.
Human rights groups and civic organisations have since raised concerns over his continued detention, arguing that his arrest threatens constitutional freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
The Zimbabwean authorities have maintained that legal processes are being followed, with Mbedzi facing the charges before the courts.
Ngobese-Zuma said she stands in solidarity with Zimbabweans seeking a better future and called for greater regional attention to human rights issues affecting citizens across Africa.
Source: Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma statement; CITE Zimbabwe.