Published: 2 hours ago

Opposition activist Godfrey Karembera, popularly known as Madzibaba WeShanduko, is reportedly in critical condition while in custody, with prison authorities accused of denying him access to private medical care despite his deteriorating health.

The 47-year-old activist was allegedly abducted from his home, tortured, and later dumped at a police station, where he was charged with incitement to participate in a public gathering with intent to cause public violence. His arrest stems from accusations that he distributed flyers mobilising support for an anti-government demonstration organised by war veteran Blessed "Bombshell" Runesu Geza.

Sources within the prison system say Karembera's health has worsened significantly since his detention. Initially, he struggled to urinate naturally - but now, insiders say, he cannot urinate at all, raising fears of internal injuries sustained during torture.

"He is visibly weak and in pain," said a prison source. "Medical officers have recommended specialised treatment, but prison authorities are refusing to allow him to seek private care."

Meanwhile, Karembera's attempt to challenge his detention failed this week after Harare magistrate Tapiwa Kuhudzai dismissed his application contesting placement on remand.

Prosecutors allege that on October 16, 2025, Karembera and unnamed accomplices conspired to mobilise citizens for the planned "One Million Man March" against corruption and economic mismanagement. The protest was reportedly set for Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square and Africa Unity Square in Harare the following day.

The State claims Karembera distributed fliers in Highfield, Glen View, and Budiriro bearing messages such as "STOP THE LOOTING," "ZIMBABWE IS NOT FOR SALE," and "ONE MILLION MAN MARCH." He also allegedly recorded and circulated a video urging citizens to attend the protest.

His lawyer, Paida Saurombe, argued that the arrest was unlawful and the charges baseless, but Magistrate Kuhudzai ruled that the State had presented enough grounds to warrant further detention. The court accepted the distributed flyers as exhibits and remanded Karembera in custody until October 28 for a formal bail hearing.

Karembera, a staunch supporter of former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa, has faced repeated persecution in recent years. In April 2025, his home in Guruve was petrol-bombed by unidentified assailants, injuring his teenage son, Laxmore (17), who was rescuing his younger siblings.

He has previously been arrested for wearing yellow clothing - associated with the CCC - and once charged for allegedly calling police officers "dogs" during a confrontation in 2022.

Human rights groups have condemned his latest detention and alleged mistreatment, describing it as part of a growing pattern of state harassment against opposition figures.

"Denying an ailing detainee access to medical care is inhumane and unconstitutional," said one rights lawyer. "The State will bear full responsibility if anything happens to him."

As his health continues to decline, fears are mounting that Madzibaba WeShanduko may not survive detention without urgent medical intervention.
- online

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