Elderly Rebels Denied Bail Over Geza Protest Plot — Court Fears They’ll ‘Regroup and Revolt ‼️

Those in the dock are: 

1. Rose Chirenje (65)

2. Nyarai Chigudu (52) 

3. Kenesia Jera (62) 

4. Edward Mandikutse (69) 

5. Dexter Jena (69) 

6. Hazvinei Machingura (69)

7. Stephen Chagwiza (48) 

8. Jacob Masaraure (75) 

9. Mapengo Mapengo (57) 

10. Joephrey Chigwerewe (70).

*FULL STORY*: 👇🏼

A Harare magistrate has refused to grant bail to ten elderly citizens accused of plotting to take part in a protest allegedly organised by fugitive war veteran Blessed Geza, in what prosecutors described as an attempt to “incite public disorder.”

The group aged between 48 and 75 allegedly mobilised for an unsanctioned demonstration dubbed the “One Million Men March” against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a move authorities say could have triggered chaos in the capital.

Magistrate Caroline Kuhudzayi ruled that the ten were “likely to regroup with others still at large” and could reoffend if released.

She also agreed with prosecutors that the gravity of the offence made the accused potential flight risks.

They are charged under Section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23] for participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace, or bigotry.

Prosecutors allege that on October 17, the accused acting on Geza’s social media calls gathered near Africa Unity Square in central Harare, intending to join the protest against Mnangagwa’s government.

According to police, the group was intercepted at the corner of George Silundika Avenue and Sam Nujoma Street, where they were reportedly singing and dancing to a protest song with the lyrics “Zvigananda chera mwena nguva yakwana, chera mwena zvigananda,” meaning “Economic saboteurs, your time is up.”

Detectives from the CID Law and Order section told the court that six suspects were arrested at the scene, while four others Chagwiza, Masaraure, Mapengo and Chigwerewe were later found hiding in a silver Toyota Probox parked along Sixth Street and Kwame Nkrumah Avenue.

Police say they also recovered stones, boulders, and other missiles believed to have been stashed for use during the planned protest.

In opposing bail, Detective Sergeant Lovemore Chisi said releasing the accused could “endanger public order.”

“The nature of the offence suggests a propensity for inciting or engaging in further public disorder,” Chisi told the court.

“Releasing the accused could reignite unrest or embolden others.”

He added that the accused might abscond from trial due to the “lengthy custodial sentence” they face if convicted a view upheld by the magistrate.

According to NewZimbabwe, police said investigations are still underway, with several other suspects allegedly linked to the planned march still at large.