Zimbabwe Opposition Spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere Arrested

Harare-Zimbabwe’s main opposition MDC Alliance spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere has been arrested on allegations of communicating a falsehood prejudicial to the state.

The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) confirmed the latest developments saying Mahere is currently detained at Harare Central Police station.

“Police have proceeded to charge @advocatemahere with violating sec 31 of the Criminal Code. She is at Harare Central Police Station. More details to follow. Broad charge against @advocatemahere is sec 31 of Criminal Code ‘Publishing or communicating false statements prejudicial to the state’ she is accused of – sec 31(a)(i) publishing or communicating a statement intending or realising risk or possibility of inciting or promoting public order or public violence or endangering public safety, with alternative charge, sec 31(a)(iii) – undermining public confidence in law enforcement agency.” wrote ZLHR

The MDC Alliance castigated the arrests saying it was weaponisation of the law against its party members.

“We condemn the weaponization of the law against MDC Alliance leaders and pro-democracy activists,” the party said.

These are the same charges which journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and MDC Alliance senior leader Job Sikhala have been arrested on.