The Masvingo High Court has granted National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) Matabeleland South provincial chairperson Bhekimpilo Mbedzi US$200 bail, overturning an earlier decision by the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court to keep him in custody.
Masvingo High Court Judge, Justice Christopher Dube-Banda, granted Mbedzi bail on Monday following an urgent appeal by his lawyer, Patrick Tererai, after the activist was denied his constitutional right to a speedy trial.
The NDWG has said it was facilitating payment of the bail amount to enable Mbedzi to reunite with his family later on Monday.
Mbedzi was arrested at his home in Beitbridge on 15 July 2026 and taken in for questioning before he was charged with incitement to commit public violence.
On this topic
This was after he publicly called on Zimbabweans to reject the recently enacted Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), which saw criticism from many citizens, opposition activists, civil society organisations and some constitutional experts. .
This Monday morning Mbedzi appeared before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court, where his application for release was dismissed, prompting an immediate appeal to the High Court.
Mbedzi’s arrest drew widespread criticism from opposition political parties, lawyers and rights advocates, who argued the case raises concerns about the protection of constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
Read:https://cite.org.zw/opposition-parties-condemn-arrest-of-beitbridge-activist-bhekimpilo-mbedzi/
Particular outrage was sparked by Mbedzi’s appearance in court wearing leg irons and handcuffs, a move critics described as degrading and unnecessary.
Legal practitioner and Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart condemned the treatment, saying it undermined Zimbabwe’s justice system.
“As a lawyer with 43 years’ experience, as someone who has represented Stephen Nkomo, Edward Ndlovu, Sydney Malunga, Kembo Mohadi, Welshman Mabhena, Speaker Jacob Mudenda and many others, as a member of COPAC, I am outraged that a Zimbabwean, who was simply exercising his constitutional right to peaceful protest against an illegal amendment to our Constitution, is still in detention,” Coltart said online.
“That he is being brought to court in leg irons, like a murderer, makes me apoplectic.”
Coltart said the treatment should concern the country’s legal fraternity and institutions responsible for safeguarding justice.
“Every lawyer, every magistrate, every judge in Zimbabwe worth his or her salt should be enraged. This type of treatment should invoke the wrath of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, the Judicial Service Commission and indeed the President, who is a lawyer. This treatment constitutes a deep stain on the reputation of our entire judicial system and nation,” he said.
Mbedzi is the Matabeleland South provincial chairperson of the NDWG led by former opposition legislator Job Sikhala, who serves as its chairperson and chief facilitator.
Opposition parties described Mbedzi’s arrest as an attack on constitutional freedoms, arguing citizens should not face criminal prosecution for expressing opposition to legislation or participating in peaceful political activity.
Read: https://cite.org.zw/calls-grow-for-release-of-beitbridge-activist-ahead-of-trial/
The constitutional amendment -CAA3- has been criticised by opposition political parties, civil society organisations and some constitutional experts for weakening constitutional safeguards and altering key governance provisions.
Leave a Reply