By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE – Human rights activists Robson Chere, Namatai Kwekweza and Samuel Gwenzi have been acquitted by a Harare magistrate of disorderly conduct, bringing an end to a year-long trial that had drawn condemnation from rights groups.
The three were tried alongside Vusumuzi Moyo, Phillies Pikitayi, Delphine Gutsa, Simbarashe Blackson, Emmanuel Sitima and Last Chinodya, who were also cleared of the same charges.
Chere, Kwekweza and Gwenzi were dramatically removed from a plane at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport last year by 12 suspected state agents as they prepared to travel to Victoria Falls.
The activists later alleged they were tortured during hours of interrogation, with Chere sustaining life-threatening injuries after being severely beaten.
Prosecutors had accused the group of participating in an unlawful demonstration outside the Harare Magistrates Court on June 27, 2024, in solidarity with more than 70 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists who were appearing in court.
However, the magistrate ruled that the state had failed to prove its case, resulting in the acquittal of all nine accused.
