By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Student leader Emmanuel Sitima was arrested on Tuesday and has been jointly charged with fellow activist Takunda Mhuka on allegations of malicious damage to property involving goods reportedly valued at US$10.
Sitima is currently being held at the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Law and Order section in Harare and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday at the Mbare Magistrates Court.
Authorities have not yet publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding Sitima’s arrest.
However, prior to his detention, the Defend the Constitution Platform (DCP) raised alarm over a suspected abduction, alleging that he had been taken earlier in the day from Mabvuku by individuals who identified themselves as police officers.
Eyewitnesses said Sitima was taken by a group of men in plain clothes and placed into a blue Honda Fit bearing registration number AHG1994.
In a statement, the DCP said the circumstances surrounding his apprehension were unclear, noting that at the time there had been no official confirmation regarding the reasons for his detention, his whereabouts, or the legal basis for his arrest.
“We are deeply concerned for his safety and wellbeing,” the group said.
DCP called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police to urgently clarify whether Sitima was in their custody, disclose his location, outline the legal grounds for his arrest, and ensure his constitutional rights, including access to legal counsel and medical care are respected.
The charges against Sitima are linked to a case involving Mhuka, who was arrested on 2 April while attempting to report an alleged assault at Waterfalls Police Station.
According to fellow activists, the matter escalated after counter-charges of malicious damage to property were filed, allegedly by individuals aligned with the ruling Zanu PF party.
They claim the development politicised the case and led to the involvement of the police’s Law and Order division.
Last Friday, Magistrate Dennis Mangosi denied Mhuka bail, citing him as a potential flight risk.
Mhuka remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court on 24 April.
His legal team has indicated that they intend to file an appeal at the High Court.
Observers have drawn parallels between Mhuka’s case and that of lawyer and politician Doug Coltart, who was reportedly assaulted in a separate incident in which the alleged perpetrators have yet to be apprehended.
Rights groups have reiterated concerns over due process and the potential politicisation of criminal charges involving civic activists.
