By Wezhira Munya
The Zimbabwe National Students Union of Zimbabwe (ZINASU) Masvingo Provincial chairperson, Mr. Calvin Muvheyi, was arrested today at the Masvingo Magistrate Court.
The young student leader, known for his activism and vocal criticism of the government, was apprehended while attending a court session for Masvingo City Council town clerk Mr. Mukaratirwa’s corruption case.
According to Masvingo based top human rights lawyer, Advocate Omen Mafa, who is currently representing Muvheyi, the student leader has been charged for “contravening Section 187(1) as read with Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codifications and Reform) Act for posting on the WhatsApp platform that the youth and citizens should demonstrate on the 16th August 2024.”
Calvin is the first opposition youth leader to be arrested in Masvingo Province on the allegations that he wants to demonstrate against Mnangagwa’s chairmanship.
The screenshot of the alleged message was reportedly posted on a WhatsApp platform by Zanu PF ward 10 Masvingo urban councillor, Mr. Manyanga.
However, Muvheyi is vehemently denying the allegations, stating that the cellphone number used to send the message is not his. Advocate Mafa further explained that Muvheyi has been taken into custody by the police and the defense lawyer Advocate Mafa is currently preparing a Form 242 to secure his release.
“Calvin has been taken by the police, and we are now preparing the necessary legal documents to challenge his arrest and ensure his prompt release,” Advocate Mafa said.
The Masvingo police have justified Muvheyi’s arrest on the suspicion that he was planning to lead demonstrations against Zanu PF president Emmerson Mnangagwa during the upcoming SADC summit scheduled for 17th August 2024.
Muvheyi is currently being held at the Masvingo Central police station and is expected to appear in court tomorrow morning.
This incident has sparked outrage among students, pro-Chamisa lieutenants and human rights activists, who have condemned the arrest as a blatant attempt to silence dissent and quash the growing student movement in the country.
“This is a clear abuse of power and a violation of Calvin’s fundamental rights. He was arrested based on mistaken identity ,” said Derrick Mugova Masvingo resident.
The arrest of Muvheyi comes amid heightened political tensions in Zimbabwe, as the country prepares to host the SADC summit, which is expected to draw regional leaders and international observers. The government has been accused of clamping down on dissent and restricting civil liberties in the run-up to the event. rights organizations and pro-democracy groups have called for the immediate release of Muvheyi and have vowed to continue their efforts to defend the rights of students and young activists in Zimbabwe.
