Beitbridge – A security guard employed by Beitbridge Town Council has been arrested for allegedly insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa over the current economic hardships facing Zimbabweans. Ezekiel Chiradza, 35, was taken into custody on September 2nd, 2024, and charged with undermining the authority of or insulting the President, a crime defined in section 33(2)(a)(ii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The arrest stems from a video Chiradza reportedly recorded and circulated on a WhatsApp group called “Zim Politics.” In the video, Chiradza is seen singing and uttering words critical of the 81-year-old Zanu PF leader, while simultaneously praising Nelson Chamisa, his rival in last year’s general elections.
Chiradza’s alleged actions centre around his criticism of President Mnangagwa’s handling of the country’s economy. He is accused of ridiculing the President, blaming him for the economic woes that have plagued Zimbabwe for years. Furthermore, Chiradza is said to have disapproved of the newly introduced Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, which has been met with skepticism by many Zimbabweans.
The arrest of Chiradza has sparked concerns about freedom of expression in Zimbabwe. Critics argue that the charges against him are politically motivated and designed to silence dissent against the ruling Zanu PF party. They point to the increasing number of arrests and prosecutions of individuals who express criticism of the government, highlighting a pattern of intimidation and suppression of opposing voices.
Patrick Tererai, a lawyer from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), is representing Chiradza. Tererai has stated that his client’s arrest is an infringement on his right to free speech and that he will fight to ensure that Chiradza’s rights are upheld during the legal proceedings.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between the government and its critics. The arrest of Chiradza, a seemingly ordinary citizen, underscores the perceived vulnerability of individuals who dare to voice their opinions, even in private settings.
The incident has also highlighted the role of social media in facilitating the spread of dissent and criticism. The use of WhatsApp groups, a popular platform for communication and information sharing in Zimbabwe, has become a tool for individuals to express their grievances and engage in political discourse.
However, the Zanu PF government’s crackdown on social media activity, including the arrest of Chiradza, suggests a growing concern about the potential for online platforms to mobilise opposition and challenge the status quo.
In October 2017, former President Robert Mugabe made headlines after re-assigning former Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa to the Ministry of Cyber Security, Threat Detection and Migitation.
George Charamba, the presidential spokesperson, told reporters in Harare soon after the swearing in of new Cabinet ministers that Chinamasa’s portfolio was designed to fish out people, who abuse others on social media, and other issues.
Charamba said Chinamasa was the best candidate for the job as he is a qualified legal practitioner capable of handling issues like the use of social media to undermine the state.
