Wezhira Munya
Yesterday, Ms. Gladys Madlame, a 41-year-old homeless vendor from Masvingo Urban, endured a night in the cold reception area of Masvingo Central police station with her 2.5-year-old son, Hamilton, without blankets. Her plight has drawn significant public attention as she is scheduled to appear in the Masvingo magistrate court today at 9 a.m.
If you would like to assist Ms. Madlame in any way, please contact her via text message or direct call at her cellphone number: 077 962 4332. This number is registered with EcoCash. Or you can contact advocate Maboke or Honourable Mureri.
Currently, Ms. Madlame faces charges of indecent exposure, having previously been accused of illegal vending. Police have shifted their focus from the vending charges after a public outcry over her treatment. She will be represented by Advocate Collins Maboke and Honourable Martin Mureri, the Member of Parliament for Masvingo Urban.
Advocate Maboke will led the defence.
On 14th January 2026, Ms. Madlame was initially arrested at SimRac Shopping Complex for allegedly “illegally selling tomatoes.” During this first arrest, both she and her child were placed in police cells. However, after human rights lawyers contested the legality of her detention with a young child, the police later transferred her to the reception area instead.
A disturbing video capturing her arrest, in which a male police officer forcibly grabbed her while two others looked on, has circulated widely on social media platforms, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). The footage shows her being violently handled, exposing her underwear and private body parts in the process. This incident has provoked outrage among Zimbabweans, both domestically and internationally.
In addition to the inappropriate physical treatment, police officers destroyed her tomatoes—her primary source of livelihood—during the arrest. The loss of these goods has compounded Ms. Madlame’s difficulties, as she has been living in an open space at Croco Motors bus station, unable to afford rent.
As she languishes in police custody and is unable to sell her tomatoes, her situation has deteriorated significantly. In response, citizens of Masvingo have expressed their solidarity by providing food for both her and her child during her detention.
Advocate Mureri has made an appeal to the community, women’s rights organizations, churches, businesses, and other stakeholders for support. He is urging them to contribute funds to help Ms. Madlame start a new business, pay for housing, and provide essential items such as clothing, food, blankets, and kitchen utensils.
Importantly, Ms. Madlame is not involved in criminal activities; she is a hardworking single mother striving to support her child. In her conversation with Honourable Mureri, she shared that Hamilton has speech difficulties. The heart-wrenching video also shows Hamilton crying and attempting to reach his mother during the arrest, a scene that has resonated deeply with many Zimbabweans.
As Ms. Madlame prepares for her court appearance, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by vulnerable individuals in society, underscoring the urgent need for compassion, support, and systemic change.
