A group of 98 suspected protesters, accused of participating in demonstrations in Harare on March 31 to demand President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation, were denied bail on Thursday by Harare Magistrate Isheanesu Matova.
In his ruling, Magistrate Matova agreed with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that the group was likely to reoffend if released on bail. Said Matova:
<blockquote>
It is in the interest of justice that the accused persons should be detained on the grounds of public safety.
The release of the accused will likely cause commotion in the country and lead them to reconvene with their leader.
</blockquote>
Of the 98 accused, 95 are scheduled to return to court on April 24 for a routine appearance, while the remaining three will appear separately.
The State alleges that the group took part in an unlawful gathering with the intent to incite public violence.
The protests were reportedly organised by expelled ZANU PF Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, aimed at pressuring President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.
According to prosecutors, on March 31, 2025, at approximately 9:20 AM, the suspects assembled at Robert Mugabe Square—commonly known as Freedom Square—with the intention of marching through the streets of Harare.
Prosecutors charge that the group also wanted to proceed “to the State House of Zimbabwe and forcibly remove the constitutionally elected President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
<blockquote>
The accused were making their vows of removing the President saying ‘enough is enough, Mnangagwa must go, ED must go nezvigananda zvake. Madzibaba veshanduko huyai mutitungamirire, comrade Geza huyai mutitungamirire and whistled’.
Police officers who were deployed for maintenance of order observed about 200 people gathered and approached the group.
The accused piled stones, bricks and tyres along Robert Mugabe road. They threw stones towards the police officers whilst singing ‘Hatidi zvekupihwa order nemasasikamu’. They also took themselves pictures and videos which they posted on various social media platforms.
The accused 1 to 94 were arrested at the crime scene while accused 95 was arrested at his residence through identification from circulating pictures and videos.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/anti-mnangagwa-protesters-denied-bail/">ZimLive</a>

Pindula News

A group of 98 people were arrested for protesting in Zimbabwe. The court denied them bail because they might cause trouble if released. The protesters wanted the President to resign. The protests were organized by someone who was expelled from the ruling party. The protesters gathered in a square and planned to march to the President's house. They threw stones at the police and posted pictures and videos on social media. Now they have to go back to court in April.

31 March Protesters Denied Bail

Ninety-eight (98) people arrested for their alleged involvement in the March 31 anti-government protests appeared in court on Tuesday, April 1, facing charges of participating in a gathering with the intent to promote public violence.
Of the group, 95 were arrested in an open space near the Rainbow Towers Hotel, known as Freedom Square. They were brought before Harare provincial magistrate Isheunesu Matova, who remanded them to April 10 for a bail ruling.
The remaining three were arrested at the CoppaCabana bus terminus and appeared before provincial magistrate Ruth Moyo, who remanded them to April 4 for a bail ruling and trial.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) opposed bail for all the accused.
Lawyers representing the 95 detainees and prosecutors will submit written bail arguments, with the court scheduled to deliver its decision on April 10.
Prosecutors allege that on March 31, 2025, at around 9:20 AM, the group gathered at Freedom Square intending to march through the streets of Harare.
They are also accused of planning to march to the State House to forcibly remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is constitutionally elected. <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/98-in-court-on-public-order-charges-over-march-31-protests/">The NPA said</a>:
<blockquote>
The accused were making their vows of removing the president saying ‘enough is enough, Mnangagwa must go, ED must go nezvigananda zvake. Madzibaba Veshanduko huyai mutitungamirire, Comrade Geza huyai mutitungamirire’ and whistled.
Police officers who were deployed for maintenance of order observed about two hundred 200 people gathered and approached the group.
The accused threw stones, bricks and tyres along Robert Mugabe Road. They threw stones towards the police officers whilst singing ‘Hatidi zvekupihwa order nemasasikamu.’ They also took themselves pictures and videos which they posted on various social media platforms.
The accused one to 94 were arrested at the crime scene while accused 95 was arrested at his residence through identification from circulating pictures and videos.
</blockquote>
Blessed Geza, a war veteran and vocal government critic, called for a nationwide uprising on March 31, 2025, aiming to force President Emmerson Mnangagwa out of power.
His movement gained attention, but instead of mass protests, the day was marked by nationwide stayaways, where many citizens refrained from going to work.
However, Geza abruptly called off the protests, citing intelligence reports that Major Sean Mnangagwa, the president’s son, was allegedly planning to plant bombs and frame him for terrorism.
Geza, who was expelled from ZANU-PF, has been vocal about corruption and economic mismanagement under Mnangagwa’s rule.

Ninety-eight people were arrested in Harare for protesting against the government on March 31. They appeared in court and were charged with causing public violence. The National Prosecuting Authority opposed bail for all the accused. Prosecutors say the group planned to forcibly remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The protests were organized by Blessed Geza, a critic of the government. He later called off the protests due to alleged threats of violence. Geza has criticized corruption and economic problems under Mnangagwa's leadership. The court will make a decision on bail on April 10.

98 People Arrested In Harare Over 31 March Protests

Former Mt Pleasant MP, Fadzayi Mahere (CCC), has criticized the government for its harsh and often violent responses to opposition protests, highlighting the frequent use of abductions, torture, and arrests on false charges, particularly when the protests are linked to former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.
She pointed out that while the government has historically cracked down on opposition members and activists, no such actions have been taken against people from the ruling party, even when they call for unrest.
Mahere’s comments after on March 31, former ZANU PF Central Committee member and war veteran Blessed Geza, along with some other war veterans, called for an “uprising,” but none of the instigators have been arrested.
Mahere cited several cases where opposition figures, particularly those linked to Chamisa, have been arrested, tortured, or jailed without trial after being suspected of organising protests. She wrote on X:
There’s an unpopular truth that’s missing in the discourse. If the main opposition had organised a protest, key actors would have been abducted and tortured well ahead of the protests.
Any convenors would have been arrested on bogus charges. CIO agents would have been stalking people’s cars. They would have remained in jail for hundreds of days with no bail.
The whole reason Jameson Timba and over 70 others were tortured and arrested is because the regime thought they were planning a protest ahead of the SADC Summit.
Amos Chibaya with a number of opposition members has very recently been wrongly convicted because of a meeting held in Budiriro where the regime thought a protest was being planned.
Job Sikhala was arrested and detained for over 500 days because they thought he was planning a demonstration in Nyatsime in response to Moreblessing Ali’s gruesome murder.
Takudzwa Ngadziore was abducted on his way to Parliament because they thought he was mobilising young people to demonstrate.
The “MDC Trio”, that is, Joana Mamombe Cecilia Chimbiri and Netsai Marova were abducted, tortured and sexually assaulted because they were part of a hunger protest.
Womberraiishe Nhende was abducted and tortured because the regime believed a protest was in the works and he was a key mobilizer.
I could go as there are numerous examples of this.
While there may have been police on the streets yesterday, we did not see the usual arbitrary arrests, beatings, torture, abductions and prolonged illegal detentions we normally see when the opposition plans or is thought to be planning a protest.
There is something that hits different when people aligned to Nelson Chamisa plan any protests against the mass poverty, injustice and corruption of ZANU PF.
We need new leaders.

Fadzayi Mahere says the government treats opposition protesters harshly, but not ruling party supporters. She says opposition members are arrested, tortured, and jailed on false charges when they plan protests. But when ruling party members call for an uprising, they are not punished. Mahere gives examples of opposition members who have been mistreated for planning protests. She says the government is unfair and needs new leaders.

Mahere Slams Government’s Double Standards In Responding To Protests

Zimbabwe experienced a “shutdown” on Monday, March 31, as people stayed away from cities, following a call for demonstrations by Blessed Geza, a former member of the ZANU PF party.
Most businesses in major cities like Harare were closed, the streets were empty, and schoolchildren stayed home. However, rural areas were not as affected.
There was a heavy police presence in urban areas, and clashes occurred in Harare when police used force to disperse protesters near the Harare Magistrates’ Court. The police fired tear gas to break up the crowd, causing protesters to scatter.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200040237/protests-shut-down-zimbabwe">NewsDay</a>, political analyst Ibbo Mandaza said that the success of the stayaway sent a strong message to the government. Said Mandaza:
<blockquote>
The massive stay away is a massive political statement by the masses of Zimbabwe. Those in power have reason to fear and likewise the leaders of the opposition who are now left behind, having failed and even abused the high expectations of Zimbabweans ready for change yesterday.
</blockquote>
Former University of Zimbabwe lecturer Eldred Masunungure told NewsDay that although the organisers made a mistake by urging Zimbabweans to confront a “vicious” government ready to stop demonstrations, the fact that people ignored the government’s call to go about their daily activities was still a success for the organisers. He said:
<blockquote>
It also remains clear that Zimbabweans are not ready to engage or confront the government forces like they used to in 2000.
It was also clear that there was no ultimate winner because the people stayed home, and staying away was also a statement from the ordinary people.
</blockquote>
In another interview with the Associated Press, Masunungure said that Geza will have a hard time getting people to support him because they might see him as part of the ZANU PF party. He said:
<blockquote>
Geza is the face of war veterans who are disillusioned with Mnangagwa. In a way, he is also filling the void left by the weak opposition.
But he will struggle to mobilise people to his cause because they may view him as part and parcel of ZANU PF, and they view this as an internal fight among former comrades.
</blockquote>
Geza, also called Comrade Bombshell, has become popular, with tens of thousands of people watching his YouTube videos.
He has called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign, accusing him of corruption. The police have accused Geza of treason and say they are looking for him.

Zimbabwe had a big protest because people listened to Blessed Geza and stayed away from work and school. The cities were empty, and businesses closed. The police clashed with protesters in Harare and used tear gas. A political analyst said this protest showed the government that people want change. Even though Geza is popular, some people think he is part of the government. Geza wants the president to leave because of corruption. The police are looking for Geza because they say he committed treason.

Geza's Call For Protests Shuts Down Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed videos circulating on social media that show a group of people allegedly barricading roads with stones around Robert Mugabe Square in Harare.
Multiple local publications shared the videos and images, which appeared to show people blocking roads at the square.
However, in a statement issued on Monday afternoon, 31 March, the ZRP warned against the spread of what they called “old videos” aimed at creating unnecessary alarm and distress across the country. Police said:
<blockquote>
The ZRP reiterates that the situation in Harare CBD is normal and calm including at Robert Mugabe Square where some social media sites are falsely claiming that there are people barricading roads with stones. This is not correct. 
The public should ignore calls by individuals and syndicates through some social media sites to engage in unlawful public gathering activities. 
The Police warn social media sites against the circulation of old videos with the aim of causing alarm and despondency in the country.
</blockquote>

The Zimbabwe Police say the videos of a protest at Robert Mugabe Square are old and not happening now. They warn people not to believe everything they see on social media. The police say the situation in Harare is normal and there are no protests happening. They also say not to listen to calls for protests on social media. They want everyone to stay calm and not spread false information. So, the videos are old and people should not worry about any protests at the square.

ZRP Dismisses Viral Videos Of Robert Mugabe Square Demo, Calls Videos "Old Footage"

The Zimbabwe Teachers Association (ZIMTA) has distanced itself from the mass protests planned by some disgruntled war veterans on 31 March. ZIMTA has said teachers should report for work as usual, since the day is a normal working day.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/unsanctioned-protests-reckless-retrogressive/">The Herald</a>, ZIMTA Secretary-General Goodwill Taderera said teachers do not take part in unauthorised protests. Instead, they use the National Joint Negotiating Council platform to express their concerns. Said Taderera:
<blockquote>
We have totally nothing to do with that. We are not a political party. We are law-abiding citizens. If we have our issues, we know where to go. 
We know that we discuss through the National Joint Negotiating Council. And if we have any issues, that’s where we direct them.
Monday is a working day so our teachers will be at work. We have no instructions to make our teachers not to go to work. They should just report for duty. It’s a normal day as far as we are concerned.
</blockquote>
Blessed Geza, a former ZANU-PF Central Committee member and war veteran, has called for mass protests on March 31 to demand the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. 
Geza accuses Mnangagwa’s government of corruption, economic mismanagement, and cronyism, which he claims have led to poverty and hardship in Zimbabwe.
Geza’s call for protests has gained attention, especially after his dramatic return to social media, where he urged Zimbabweans to join what he called an “unstoppable wave” of demonstrations. 
He has also invited opposition leaders to join the movement, though some have distanced themselves from his call.
In response, the government has deployed anti-riot police across the country and placed security forces on high alert, showing the seriousness with which it is treating the situation.

ZIMTA, a teachers' association, says teachers should work on March 31, not join protests by war veterans. They use a different platform to express concerns. War veteran Blessed Geza wants protests for President Mnangagwa to resign due to corruption and poverty in Zimbabwe. Some opposition leaders are invited, but government is prepared with police and security forces. Teachers should work as usual and not join unauthorized protests, says ZIMTA.

ZIMTA: Teachers Should Work As Usual On March 31

<h2>STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE ON THE SECURITY SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY</h2>
The Government of Zimbabwe notes with deep concern the mobilisation efforts, through social media postings, pseudo press statements and letters by criminally-inclined individuals and groups inciting peace-loving Zimbabweans to engage in unlawful gatherings that interfere with public order.
The illegal acts being mobilised undermine the prevailing security, peace and stability. The retrogressive intents should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve. Those fronting the mobilisation should stand warned.
Their self-seeking, subversive and anti-development endeavours have been exposed. May I reiterate that we have a Constitutional mandate to safeguard the security and territorial integrity of this country and we will not apologize to fulfill that mandate.
May I take this opportunity, therefore, to assure the nation and all our visitors that the country’s security services are on high alert to ensure the sustained safety and security of the public.
Zimbabweans and our visitors should, therefore, feel secure and continue engaging in their usual socio-economic pursuits.
The Zimbabwean Republic Police has made adequate deployments to guarantee an environment conducive to socio-economic development and unhindered movement of people in all parts of the country.
May I also remind the public of the need to abide by the provisions of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 24, which is categorical on the maintenance of public order.
Equally, I need not emphasize that we are all expected to remain guided by the provisions of Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and Section 164 of the Cyber Security and Data Protection Act on offences relating to electronic communications and materials.
The relevant instruments would be invoked to deal with those who unlawfully engage in transmitting, broadcasting and distributing data messages to any person, group of persons or to the public with intent to incite acts of violence against any persons or to cause damage to any property.
May I, once again, reiterate that anyone who tries to intimidate, threaten, harass or coerce the public to engage in criminal acts will certainly face the full wrath of the law. The Commissioner General of Police will apply the law to its fullest without fear or favour.
In the same vein, I would like to encourage the peace-loving and patriotic citizenry to report anyone who incites violence and causes public despondency through the listed contact details:
<ul>
<li>Harare Emergency Response Centre Toll Free 911 or 112</li>
<li>Harare Operations (0242) 748836 or 777651</li>
<li>Harare Central Police (0242) 777777, 777592/4/6/8, 777626</li>
<li>Bulawayo Emergency Response Centre Toll Free 112, 911</li>
<li>Bulawayo Operations (0292) 273547 or 883930</li>
<li>National complaints desk (0242) 703631</li>
<li>Police General Headquarters WhatsApp 0712 800 197</li>
</ul>
The police commits and undertakes to respond to such reports without delay.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to implore Zimbabweans to continue abiding by the law to effectively contribute towards the country’s attainment of an upper-middle-income economy status by 2030.
I thank you
Kazembe Kazembe (MP) 
Honorable Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage 
Government of Zimbabwe

The Minister of Home Affairs in Zimbabwe is warning people about criminals trying to make trouble. They are telling people to stay safe and not join unlawful gatherings. The police are ready to keep everyone safe and make sure people follow the law. If anyone tries to cause trouble, they will face the consequences. The Minister is asking citizens to report any signs of violence or trouble. People are encouraged to keep following the law to help the country grow and be safe. Be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.

Kazembe Addresses The Country's Security Situation [Full Statement]

Zimbabweans have been warned to be wary of being used in the ZANU PF succession battle, which may spill into the streets after some former party members called for mass protests on March 31.
Political observers believe ordinary Zimbabweans were exploited during the so-called military-assisted transition in 2017, with only a few individuals benefiting from Robert Mugabe’s ouster while the general population was marginalised.
The removal of Lieutenant-General Anselem Sanyatwe from the helm of the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) on Tuesday, and expelled former ZANU PF Central Committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza’s outbursts on social media on Wednesday, have been seen as escalating ZANU PF factional infighting.
The NewsHawks reported that a state security official dealing with the current situation, including the planned March 31 protests, said that people may be the biggest losers again in the latest round of the ZANU PF succession battle.
The official, who was not named for professional and security reasons, is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
This is an internal ZANU PF matter, with legitimate public interest. The question is, who benefits from these protests?
The November 2017 coup, which led to the ousting of President Robert Mugabe, was initially celebrated by many Zimbabweans who thronged the streets, seeing it as a chance for change and a break from Mugabe’s authoritarian rule and economic woes.
However, as time has shown, the coup ultimately benefited the military and the ruling elite only, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former Mugabe ally, taking power.
The promised reforms and improvements in the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans have been slow to materialise, and many have been left feeling disappointed and disillusioned.
Now, with the looming protests on March 31, there are concerns that history might repeat itself, and the people might again be the losers.
The demonstrations, which are being driven by widespread discontent with the government’s handling of the economy and corruption, might provide an opportunity for the military or other opportunistic, powerful interests to exploit the situation and further entrench their power.
It’s a worrying scenario, and one that underscores the need for Zimbabweans to remain vigilant and ensure that people are the main beneficiaries of whatever demonstrations or transition or change in leadership is driven by the needs and aspirations of the people, rather than the interests of the powerful and elite.
The planned street protests in Zimbabwe on March 31 have sparked concerns that they might be exploited by the army as a pretext to seize power.
Given this context, the planned protests on March 31 could be a volatile situation, and it’s essential to monitor the developments closely, ask who is behind this, what their agenda is and who will benefit.
It is important to ask these questions before people rush into the streets to fight wars they don’t understand and know their origins.
</blockquote>
Geza, a former Sanyati MP and ZANU PF Central Committee member, claims that individuals close to Mnangagwa are looting the country for personal gain, while the majority of Zimbabweans continue to suffer in extreme poverty.
However, top security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concerns to The NewsHawks about the “real motive” behind the loud calls to oust Mnangagwa.
They warned that the situation resembles the empty “Mugabe must go” slogan from the past, lacking a clear plan for what would follow or how to secure the people’s interests.
The security officials also voiced concern over the country being swept into an internal ZANU PF issue, without clarifying how such a shift would improve the living conditions and material well-being of the people. Said the official:
<blockquote>
Who benefits from this? That question must be asked upfront, not later. Yes, Geza has tried to seize the moment and opportunity of socio-economic disgruntlement around the country to fuel and incite anger against Mnangagwa’s government, but do you think people benefit from this? Ordinary people don’t seem enthusiastic about street protests and may just stay away. 
It is because they don’t trust the process and don’t want to be used again, as happened in 2017.
While the disgruntled war veterans have gained a lot of popularity and traction with Geza’s incessant attacks, that whole cabal, fronting some wounded interests and comrades, has made some strategic blunders by revealing why they want regime change.
It is all about themselves, not the people. They are fighting for their time to eat. It might be difficult to mobilise the people for March 31. Yes, people are suffering, but they don’t want to be used. That is clear. 
The situation is made worse by the fact that people like popular opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and those within his latent structures are not involved in this.
In our assessment, based on the current situation and past experiences, Zimbabweans are not only wiser-after they were used, shortchanged and abandoned in 2017-but also contextual and discerning.
</blockquote>

Zimbabweans are warned to be careful during the ZANU PF struggle for power. Some want marches on March 31, but it may not be good for ordinary people. In the past, only a few people benefited when Mugabe was removed in 2017. Now, with more protests, the same thing could happen again. Some powerful people may take advantage of the situation to gain more power. It's important for Zimbabweans to be cautious and make sure marches benefit them, not just the elite. They need to think carefully before joining any protests.

March 31 Protests: Zimbabweans Warned Against Being Exploited In ZANU PF Succession Battle

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson George Charamba has warned the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) led by Nelson Chamisa against mass action to force ZANU PF to the negotiating table, saying such a move will have dire consequences for the party and its leader.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Charamba urged Chamisa to negotiate with Sengezo Tshabangu claiming the latter is willing to be engaged “at least for now”.
Tshabangu is a CCC activist who declared himself the party’s interim secretary general in October this year and has since recalled scores of CCC representing thereby whittling down opposition numbers in Parliament.
Charamba warned that if Chamisa believes that “mass protests will have takers, will last and will soften ZANU PF to the table, he needs to be reminded who he is dealing with”.
He seemed to be suggesting that the State’s security establishment will ruthlessly crush any mass protests organised by CCC. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
I have been reading stories on Chamisa’s so-called CNA meeting which took place yesterday. Among statements, which purport to be resolutions, released after the meeting, coupled with subsequent interviews with the media, Triple C, it would appear, is toying with the idea of mass action, ostensibly to “force ZANU PF to the negotiating table”!
… A key principle in politics is understanding your customer; there is no clue anyone in Triple C, least of all Chamisa, works with this elementary political principle which informs what does and cannot do. Politics is the art of the possible.
</blockquote>
The Government deployed the military in central Harare on 1 August 2018 to crush suspected MDC Alliance supporters who were protesting against an alleged delay in releasing election results. At least six people were shot dead whilst fleeing from the soldiers.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Charamba Warns Chamisa Mass Action Will Have Dire Consequences

<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ol36zprt_yA?feature=oembed" title="How has Zimbabwe changed under Mnangagwa?" width="640"></iframe></div>
A Sky News video report questions the change that the governments “new dispensation” has brought to Zimbabwe. It focuses on the alleged <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/06/06/watch-artuz-president-obert-masaraure-speaks-from-hospital/">abduction and torture of teacher union leader Obert Masaraure in June.</a>
Masaraure, who is interviewed in the video breaks down as he narrates his torture by the state agents.

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