Fadzayi Mahere, a prominent human rights advocate, has expressed deep concern over the abduction of fellow Tanzanian activist Maria Steshai.
She was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday afternoon by three men. They reportedly blocked her car, ejected her and bundled her into their car and sped off. She was later released after an uproar.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Mahere condemned the incident, stating, “We don’t celebrate the release of human rights defender and prominent activist Maria Steshai because she should never have been abducted in the first place.”
Mahere described the abduction as a devastating reminder of the dangers faced by women speaking out against systemic issues such as poverty and corruption in Africa.
It’s a sad day when an African woman is violently abducted right on the soil of this continent for daring to speak out against poverty, injustice, and corruption,” she wrote, calling for greater solidarity among activists and citizens.
The incident has sparked outrage among human rights organizations and activists, who are demanding accountability from authorities.
Many see Steshai’s abduction as part of a broader pattern of intimidation faced by those challenging the status quo in Zimbabwe. Mahere urged fellow citizens to stand firm in the fight for justice and human rights, emphasizing the need for “more strength and more light” in the struggle for a better future.
“We need new leaders,” she concluded,
