Police in Zimbabwe say they have arrested 95 demonstrators on charges of promoting “public violence” and for “breaches of peace”, after they took part in Monday’s protests demanding that President Emmerson Mnangagwa resign.
Officers say they identified the individuals through social media posts and a WhatsApp group, as well as at the scene in the capital, Harare.
Very few people turned up for the demonstrations as citizens opted to stay away rather than take to the streets amid a heavy security presence.
The protests were called by a veteran of the governing Zanu-PF party, Blessed Geza.
He has spoken out against moves by a faction of the party to keep the president in power beyond the end of his second term 2028.
Geza, who wants Vice-President Constantine Chiwenga to replace Mnangagwa, had previously called for Zimbabweans to “fill the streets” in a final push to force the president to step down.
Police in Zimbabwe have often been accused of using violence to break up protests.
Numerous videos were shared on social media throughout Monday. In one, police can be seen using tear gas to disperse a crowd gathered at Harare’s President Robert Mugabe Square.
In another, a woman details the police’s efforts to clamp down on what was regarded as a “peaceful protest” as she vowed “we’re not going anywhere, we’re going to stay here”.
“I am 63 and life is tough… I am taking care of my grandchildren because my children cannot afford to,” a protester on crutches also told local media house Citizens Voice Network.
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