#ThisFlag pastor Evan Mawarire ‘charged with inciting violence’
By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |
Evan Mawarire, a pastor who has played an active role in organising mass protests against President Robert Mugabe’s government, was arrested on Tuesday morning.
Social media reports show that the preacher, who handed himself over to the police, is being charged under Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly inciting public violence and disturbing peace.
Mawarire made the announcement of his imminent arrest through a pre-recorded video that is being shared on social media platforms.
The police put him on the wanted list over the protests against corruption, human rights abuses and a unpopular ban of imported products that recently rocked Harare, Beitbridge and other urban areas.
Mawarire has produced protest videos that were shared on social media platforms.
“The police called to see me this morning and I will be going there because we have not broken any law,” Mawarire told Reuters before handing himself over.
His arrest comes a day before more planned demonstrations on Wednesday.
Promise Mkwananzi, a protest leader with the Tajamuka outfit that has also mobilised people to demonstrate against the government, was arrested last week and given $300 bail.
Another protest leader, Stern Zvorwadza, also turned himself over to the police late last week after learning they wanted him in connection with the civil unrest. Nehanda Radio
