Crimes and Courts
Harare – A Harare magistrate has ruled that the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) must refund admission-of-guilt fines paid by three University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers arrested during a salary protest, ordering that their case proceed to a full trial instead.
The lecturers—Professor Obvious Vengeyi, Boncase Mwakorera, and Desmond Ndedzu—were arrested on 16 April 2025 while picketing over poor salaries and working conditions. They were charged with disorderly conduct in a public place under Section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and detained overnight at Harare Central Police Station. The following day (17 April 2025), they each paid a US$15 admission-of-guilt fine to secure their release.
The trio, who are leaders of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), were represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) attorneys Kelvin Kabaya, Emmanuel Lawrence Chibwe, and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa. The lawyers challenged the fines on 22 April, arguing that the protest was lawful under Section 65 of the Constitution, which protects the right to collective job action, and the Labour Act.
Magistrate Overturns Conviction, Orders Refund
In a landmark ruling, Harare Resident Magistrate Sheunesu Matova overturned the convictions and directed the ZRP to refund the fines. He ruled that the lecturers should instead face a formal trial where they can properly defend themselves.
“The accused paid the fines solely to secure their release and avoid prolonged detention over a public holiday, not as an admission of guilt,” argued the defence lawyers.
“They are prepared to contest these charges in court.”
Magistrate Matova instructed the District Public Prosecutor to ensure the matter proceeds through the proper judicial process.
Legal and Labour Rights Implications
The ruling has been hailed as a victory for labour rights and legal due process.
“This decision reaffirms that workers have a constitutional right to protest unfair labour conditions,” said one of the defence lawyers.
“Arresting and fining them under questionable charges only undermines justice.”
The ZRP has yet to comment on the refund order or whether it will pursue the case further. Meanwhile, the UZ lecturers’ union has vowed to continue advocating for better wages and working conditions.
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