Zimbabwean activist, talent Rusere, who was arrested and deported in Botswana, has been released from jail. In his first press conference, Rusere praised the liberation struggle ideology and said Mnangagwa is not corrupt, but some individuals in his government.
Timeline of the events related to Talent Rusere’s release and court case:
Late 2024:
- December 23, 2024: Talent Rusere, identified as a Zimbabwean activist and Chairperson of the so called “Southern Africa Human Lawyers Commission”, was arrested at the Plumtree Border Post after being deported from Botswana through the Ramokwebane Border Post in Plumtree.Â
- He appeared before Harare magistrate Ms. Rufaro Panavanhu on December 24, 2024, facing charges related to inciting violence and violating immigration laws. His bail application was scheduled for December 30, 2024.
- He claimed to have been blindfolded and tortured during the arrest before being transported to Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Prior to his arrest, Rusere had alleged that over 226,000 Zimbabweans participated in the Mozambican elections and had called for regional demonstrations against alleged election rigging. These allegations were supported by videos he shared.
Early 2025:
- December 24, 2024: Rusere appeared in a court in Harare.
- He was charged with violating immigration laws and the Data Protection Act, specifically accused of leaving Zimbabwe without a valid passport via an unknown border.
- Prosecutors argued that his position and activism posed a risk of inciting unrest across the SADC region.
- Bail was denied, and Rusere was remanded in custody until February 2025.
- He lodged a complaint of torture and being blindfolded, which was placed under investigation.
