Farirai Gumbonzvanda, a 26-year-old volunteer for Rozaria Trust was arrested alongside Tatenda Mombeyarara, George Makoni, Nyasha Frank Mpahlo and Gamuchirai Mukura on arrival at the RGMI Airport on their return from attending a workshop in the Maldives.
The five face charges of Subverting a constitutional government as defined in section 22(2)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Here is how some Zimbabweans reacted on Twitter to the arrest of Farirai Gumbonzvanda, Gamuchirai Mukura and the other three activists:
The worst part of the justice system in Zim is remand prison. The conditions are hell. 5 activists are detained there without just cause. Fadzayi Mahere.
Really saddened by the arrest of Farirai Gumbonzvanda. She is a force to be reckoned in the young women’s movement! She has rights. Respect them! Varaidzo
Farirai Gumbonzvanda is not a threat to any government. She is just a vibrant young woman advocating for the right of a girl child. Farirai is a women’s rights advocate. Release Farirai Now. An injustice to one is an injustice to all. Linda Masarira
CIVIC society members- George Makoni (CCDZ), Gamuchirai Mukura (COTRAD), Frank Mpahlo, Farirai Gumbonzvanda & Tatenda Mombeyarara appeared before Harare Magistrate Hosea Majaya yesterday and were remanded in custody to June 6. Lawyers applying for bail at High Court. Centre for Civic Development
Farirai Gumbonzvanda. Joanna Mamombe how can these little girls accused of trying to eat a crocodile it is stooping so low and very shameful. J. S. C.
1. What are their names? • Tatenda Mombeyarara • Farirai Gumbonzvanda • George Makoni • Nyasha Frank Mpahlo • Gamuchirai Mukura These 5 community activists are currently detained by the Zimbabwean regime on spurious charges of plotting to topple the government. Alex Magaisa
This happened once to me back in 2006 when 14 armed men besieged my house. Zimbabwe has not changed. I fear for Farirai Gumbonzvanda and other young activists detained in Zimbabwe maximum prison. Muzvare Betty Makoni
So angry that Farirai Gumbonzvanda has been wrongfully arrested! Farirai is an advocate for women’s rights in Zimbabwe & around the world. Recently she was shining at CSW! Yet another example of young women being targeted! Sophia Pierre-Antoine
When will we be free? When will we live without fear WHEN? The arrest of George Makoni, Gamuchirai Mukura, Nyasha Mpahlo, Farirai Gumbonzvanda & Tatenda Mombeyarara at the airport in Harare is sad. Charged with subversion coz they attended a workshop outside the country. #ThisFlag E Mawarire
Farirai Gumbonzvanda, a young girl spent last night in a cold Chikurubhi prison because our government is paranoid of citizens over failure its to deliver better lives for us all. Their solution is to a cover-up by creating imaginary enemies out of citizens. Makomborero Haruzivishe