Students charged over plot to topple Mnangagwa

Published: 47 mins ago

Three Midlands State University (MSU) students have appeared in court facing charges of subverting constitutional government after allegedly distributing material opposing attempts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028.

The accused-Milton Muchayana (21), Anenyasha Moyo (22), and Langton Muhoma (22)-were arrested at MSU's Gweru campus on August 8 and appeared before the Gweru Magistrates Court on Friday.

Prosecutors allege that the trio produced and distributed 12 fliers intended to incite public unrest against the government. The content reportedly included messages such as, "Call for rebellion against 2030 vision" and "If humanity must thrive, then individuals are compelled to outmanoeuvre others."

The charges were filed under section 22(2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for subverting constitutional government, with an alternative charge of incitement to commit public violence. Items seized during the investigation-including two mobile phones, an HP laptop, and an Epson printer-are being held as exhibits for the trial.

After 14 days in detention, the students were granted bail by Masvingo High Court Judge Justice Regis Dembure. They are represented by lawyer Reginald Chidawanyika of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

The incident comes amid rising tensions within Zanu-PF over efforts by a faction linked to President Mnangagwa to extend his tenure from 2028 to 2030, despite public opposition and resistance within the party.

Mnangagwa has previously maintained that he is committed to constitutional limits and does not intend to remain in office beyond his constitutionally mandated term, having first been elected in 2018. The so-called 2030 agenda has intensified infighting within Zanu-PF, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga emerging as the leading contender to succeed Mnangagwa. Meanwhile, controversial politician Temba Mliswa has claimed that Mnangagwa favors businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as his preferred successor.

The case has drawn attention to growing tensions between political loyalty, constitutional governance, and civic activism, highlighting the risks faced by students and citizens engaging in political expression in Zimbabwe.
- newsday

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