A South African anti-illegal immigration movement has called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to release detained opposition activist Bhekimpilo Mbedzi, arguing that Zimbabweans have a constitutional right to protest peacefully.
The demand by March & March comes as Zimbabwe prepares for planned nationwide demonstrations on July 31 against Constitutional Amendment No. 3. The organisation has also reaffirmed its intention to join the protests in solidarity with Zimbabwean demonstrators.
March & March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma condemned Mbedzi’s arrest, saying participation in a peaceful demonstration should not be treated as a criminal offence.
“We stand firm as March & March to say that Mnangagwa must free Bhekimpilo Mbedzi. You cannot arrest people for protesting. All he did was exercise his constitutional rights as we do in South Africa,” she said.
Ngobese-Zuma also challenged the South African government’s approach to developments in Zimbabwe, arguing that Pretoria’s commitment to Pan-African solidarity should include defending Zimbabweans’ right to assemble and express their views peacefully.
“We find ourselves here because Zimbabweans ran away from their government, which is ridiculous. When they run away, those problems become ours. The 31st of July must happen for the people of Zimbabwe to express themselves freely,” she added.
Earlier this month, Ngobese-Zuma announced that members of March & March intended to participate in the July 31 demonstrations, saying their presence could help create an environment in which Zimbabweans are able to protest without fear of intimidation or violence.
Mbedzi, who serves as the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) provincial chairperson for Matabeleland South, appeared in court on Tuesday wearing leg irons following his arrest. Images from his court appearance drew criticism from opposition politicians and human rights campaigners.
March & March has gained prominence in South Africa through campaigns against illegal immigration.
The organisation has organised demonstrations and community initiatives calling for undocumented foreign nationals, including Zimbabweans, to leave South Africa, arguing that illegal migration places pressure on employment opportunities, public services and efforts to combat crime.
The group’s latest intervention comes as concerns continue over the impact of anti-migrant violence in South Africa. On Wednesday, ZimBorders Consortium manager Nqobile Ncube said more than 72,000 Zimbabweans had been repatriated through the Beitbridge Border Post following attacks targeting migrants.
Zimbabwean authorities, however, have insisted they will not allow unlawful demonstrations to proceed.
Last week, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe warned organisers and participants that security agencies were ready to stop any actions that threatened public order.
Speaking to State media, Kazembe described the planned demonstrations as misguided and stressed that police would act against any illegal conduct.
The July 31 protests have been organised by opposition activists and constitutional campaigners who argue that Constitutional Amendment No. 3 undermines democratic governance and weakens constitutional protections.
The government rejects those claims, maintaining that the amendment is lawful while insisting that any public demonstrations must take place within the framework of Zimbabwean law.
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