THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) has distanced itself from the demonstrations that rocked the country on March 31, 2025, leaving 105 people in remand prison.
The March 31 protests, however, morphed into a nationwide shutdown, with businesses closed and streets emptied while learners stayed home in all the country’s major cities.
The protests, which activists hailed as a success, saw minimal activity in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, Masvingo and Chinhoyi, with a heavy police presence indicating the tense atmosphere.
In Harare, skirmishes erupted when anti-riot police violently dispersed protesters gathered at an open space near the Harare Magistrates’ Court.
Police fired tear gas canisters to break up the crowd, sending demonstrators fleeing into nearby streets.Eight other people were arrested in Gweru for taking to the streets while calling on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.
However, most of those arrested during the demonstrations are languishing in prison with no legal representation, with human rights organisations that usually assist in similar cases distancing themselves from the protests.
In a statement yesterday, ZimRights distanced itself from the March 31 demonstrations.
“The association rejects and condemns any allegations that it is linked to Blessed Geza. It is not. On 5 April 2025, ZimRights was made aware of a social media video that is spreading malicious falsehoods meant to tarnish and damage its good name,” the statement read.
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ZimRights said it was taking the attacks seriously and remained undeterred in doing its work.
Other organisations that usually rush to legally represent people involved in demonstrations are reportedly refusing to assist the demonstrators.
Spokesperson of the Citizen Coalition for Change faction led by Jameson Timba, Promise Mkwananzi, said some of their members arrested on March 31 in Gweru are being represented by one of their members and a well-wisher.
“We have some of our members who were arrested in Gweru who are appearing in court today and they are being represented by one of the lawyers who is our member and another a well-wisher lawyer,” he said.The police last week said 107 people were arrested in connection with the March 31 protests.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi commended Zimbabweans for maintaining peace despite the attempted protests. He said the police recorded few reports of violence and malicious damage to property.
“The police arrested 107 suspects throughout the country for participating in violent and unsanctioned demonstrations. The majority of these arrests were made at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square in Harare,” Nyathi said.
