Calls for the release of National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) Matabeleland South chairperson Bhekimpilo Mbedzi are gaining momentum as the activist is set to appear before the Beitbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for the commencement of his trial on allegations of inciting an unlawful gathering.
Human rights organisations, civic groups and political activists have rallied behind Mbedzi, arguing that his arrest and continued detention amount to an infringement of constitutionally protected rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Mbedzi was arrested at his Beitbridge home on 15 July 2026 and taken in for questioning before charged with inciting an unlawful gathering.
He was subsequently denied bail and has remained in custody pending trial.
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The NDWG, led by former opposition legislator Job Sikhala, says the charges stem from a Facebook video in which Mbedzi called on Zimbabweans to peacefully oppose the recently enacted Constitution Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3) and encouraged participation in planned demonstrations, including the proposed 31 July shutdown.
The State alleges Mbedzi failed to notify the relevant authorities of the planned gathering.
Mbedzi’s prosecution comes amid heightened political tensions following the enactment of CAA3, where many opposed to it have argued that the law weakens democratic safeguards and consolidates executive power.
As Mbedzi prepares to appear in court, rights groups have intensified calls for his immediate release, describing his detention as arbitrary and politically motivated.
Amnesty International Zimbabwe said it stood in solidarity with the detained activist and urged Zimbabwean authorities to respect fundamental freedoms guaranteed under both the Constitution and international human rights law.
“Amnesty International calls on the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Mbedzi, whose arbitrary arrest and detention violate his rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial,” the organisation said in a statement.
The rights body said the authorities should respect, protect and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without discrimination.
“Authorities must also end the misuse of the criminal justice system to arbitrarily arrest, detain, intimidate and harass opposition members, journalists and human rights defenders solely for exercising their human rights and expressing dissenting views,” Amnesty International said.
Another human rights organisation, Protect Defenders Zimbabwe, also condemned the activist’s continued detention and questioned the circumstances surrounding his arrest, since reports indicated Mbedzi was initially picked up by suspected State security agents before his arrest was formally confirmed.
Protect Defenders Zimbabwe stressed bail is a constitutional right under Section 50(1)(d) of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, while Section 59 guarantees every person’s right to demonstrate and present petitions peacefully.
“These constitutional guarantees must be respected,” the organisation said.
The organisation called for Mbedzi’s “immediate and unconditional release” and urged the authorities to uphold constitutional principles and the rule of law.
Protect Defenders Zimbabwe further described Mbedzi’s case as extending beyond one individual.
“Bhekimpilo Mbedzi is not standing alone. He represents the voices of many Zimbabweans who have peacefully expressed opposition to Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3.”
Protect Defenders Zimbabwe also appealed to citizens, civil society organisations, social movements and human rights defenders to stand in solidarity with him during his court appearance.
A political activist, Chilumbo Mudenda, echoed similar sentiments, describing Mbedzi’s detention as emblematic of Zimbabwe’s growing constitutional and governance crisis.
Mudenda told CITE that Mbedzi had merely exercised rights guaranteed under Section 59 of the Constitution.
“We therefore call for the immediate release of Bhekimpilo Mbedzi or, at the very least, for his case to be handled fairly, transparently, and in full accordance with Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the principles of due process,” he said.
Mudenda argued democracy depends on transparency, accountability and respect for constitutional rights rather than fear and intimidation.
“Zimbabweans are living through difficult times. Many citizens feel intimidated and fear expressing their views. However, fear should never replace the rule of law,” he said.
He further urged law enforcement agencies to respect citizens’ rights and avoid intimidation while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Mudenda said citizens had both the right and responsibility to defend constitutionalism through peaceful and lawful means, citing broader concerns around CAA3.
“Our demands are clear: the immediate release of Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, or a fair and transparent legal process; full respect for Section 59 of the Constitution; protection of the constitutional rights of all citizens; accountability, transparency and adherence to the rule of law; and peaceful civic engagement in defence of Zimbabwe’s constitutional democracy,” Mudenda said.
Mbedzi’s arrest is the latest in a series of cases involving activists and opposition figures opposing CAA3, which has become one of Zimbabwe’s most contentious constitutional changes in recent years.
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