Zimbabwean activist pastor Evan Mawarire was arrested on July 12 and charged with inciting public violence and disturbing peace ahead of a planned #ZimShutDown protest.
In April, Mawarire started posting videos on Facebook, wrapped in the Zimbabwean flag, where he criticized the country’s corruption and poor service delivery, sparking the birth of the #ThisFlag social movement.
Mawarire successfully organized a stay-away protest dubbed #ZimShutDown last week which led to businesses, shops, and schools closing down for the day.
Further shut-downs were planned for July 13 and 14 to peacefully protest against the worsening situation in Zimbabwe, which has been under the leadership of 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe for the past 36 years.
On July 11 Mawarire revealed on Twitter that he had been summoned to appear at Harare Central Police Station for questioning on the day of the #ZimShutDown protest.
Shortly after surrendering to the police on July 12, Mawarire was handcuffed in the presence of his lawyer, Harrison Nkomo, and the police went on to search his house and church looking for incriminating evidence.
After his arrest, Mawarire’s lawyer released a pre-recorded video in which the 39-year-old preacher encouraged people to continue speaking out and striving for a better Zimbabwe despite his incarceration.
Zimbabwe police search warrant issued against Evan Mawarire
Issued in terms of Section 50(1) (a) of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act (Chapter 9:07)
TO DETECTIVE CHIEF INSPECTOR RUNGANGA AND HIS LAWFUL ASSISTANTS
Evan Mawarire is believed to be in possession of a stolen police Helmet, button stick and other subversive material which he used to incite public violence on 6 July 2016 and others for intended use on 13 July 2016 for public violence.
Which are concerned or on reasonable grounds believed to be concerned in the commission or suspected commission of an offence of Incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(a) As read with section 36(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23
Which it is on reasonable grounds believed may afford evidence of the commission or suspected commission of an offence: of Incitement to commit public violence as defined in section 187(1)(a) As read with section 36(1) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23
Which is/are intended or on reasonable grounds believed to be intended to be used in the commission of an offence/
This is therefore, to require you to seize the above-mentioned article(s), and to that end you are authorised where necessary to search any person identified in this warrant and to enter and search the premises identified in this warrant and to search any person found in or upon those premises. This warrant shall be executed by day or by night/*
Press statement by the #ThisFlag movement
This morning 12 July 2016 at 9am Pastor Evan Mawarire went to Harare Central Police Station at the behest of CID Law and Order. After some interrogation he was charged under section 36 for inciting violence and disturbing peace.
They immediately went to his house with a search warrant were they were looking for a broken police helmet and a police baton stick. After searching they left with virtually nothing and we are now awaiting to get the docket so the court proceedings could take place.
We are all shocked at the allegations as he has always spoke against violence, stood against violence and preached against violence. The #This Flag team remains vigilant and calls upon the authorities to release Pastor Evan Mawarire. We continue on his stand of no violence and stand against corruption, injustice and poverty.
The shut down and stay away organized for 13 and 14 July still stands. We appeal to all citizens to show solidarity with Pastor Evan and stay away and shut down on these two dates. We will keep you updated on any developments.
shutdownzimbabwe2016 #ThisFlag #Hatichada #Hatichahatya
