Police Hunt For Nyokayemabhunu WhatsApp Group Admin as 107 Arrested in Geza-Led Protests
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a full-scale manhunt for Knox Chiwero, the alleged admin of a WhatsApp group called Nyokayemabhunu, which authorities say was used to plan the March 31 protests mobilised by activist Blessed Geza.
According to investigators, police managed to infiltrate the group and uncovered a series of messages plotting the unrest. The suspected mastermind, Chiwero, reportedly ran the group using a South African-registered number, raising red flags about possible cross-border coordination.
Law enforcement is now on the trail of Chiwero and other key players behind what they are calling “coordinated criminal acts.”
Commenting on the operation, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said more suspects have already been identified, with fresh leads coming in from messages shared within the WhatsApp group.
“Some of the suspects have since been identified through WhatsApp groups, which they were using to send messages, and in Masvingo, we have identified two more suspects. Social media was being used to coordinate these criminal acts. We are casting the net wide to identify these initiators of criminal acts, and they were also threatening people in their communities using social media,” he said.
Police confirmed the arrest of 107 suspects nationwide in connection with the unauthorised demonstrations. The bulk of the arrests—94 individuals—were made at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square in Harare, where protesters reportedly gathered around 9:20 AM on March 31.
How 107 Protesters Were Arrested
Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje told the court this week that the protest was part of a broader plan to cause disruption. Some demonstrators allegedly took photos and recorded videos during the protest, later circulating the content on social media to fuel more unrest.
Those not caught at the scene were tracked down and arrested at their homes after being identified from the footage shared online.
Written submissions from both the State and defence teams are set to begin Tuesday, with a ruling on bail scheduled for April 10. Authorities remain on high alert as the investigation into the protest and its organisers continues.
Chris Matambanadzo
Coming from a long line of television and radio personalities, it was only natural for Chris Matambanadzo to venture into the media space. Chris is an avid reader who fancies himself a philosopher and poet. He is passionate about anime, music and movies.
