THREE university students have been charged with subverting constitutional government after they allegedly incited fellow scholars to oppose manoeuvres to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028.
The accused are Midlands State University (MSU) students Milton Muchayana (21), Anenyasha Moyo (22), and Langton Muhoma (22).
The trio, who were arrested at the MSU Gweru Campus on August 8, appeared at the Gweru magistrates court on Friday.
In court, prosecutors alleged that the trio connived to create and distribute 12 fliers containing information intended to incite public violence against the government.
The charges were based on section 22(2) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for subverting constitutional government, with an alternative charge of incitement to commit public violence.
The court heard that the alleged offensive fliers bore messages that included, “Call for rebellion against 2030 vision” and “If humanity must thrive, then individuals are compelled to outmanoeuvre others.”
Prosecutors alleged that the students used two mobile phones, an HP laptop, and an Epson printer to originate and print the material.
These items were being held as exhibits for the upcoming trial.
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The state alleged that Muchayana, Moyo, and Muhoma had no lawful right to engage in the alleged actions.
After spending 14 days in detention, the three students were granted bail by Masvingo High Court judge Justice Regis Dembure.
They are represented by their lawyer, Reginald Chidawanyika from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
A Zanu PF faction linked to Mnangagwa’s camp is pushing for an extension of his term of office from 2028 when it expires to 2030 despite public opinion and resistance within the party.
Mnangagwa has previously said he is a constitutionalist, and does not intend to remain in office beyond his constitutionally set two-term limits having first been elected in 2018.
The 2030 agenda has ignited serious infighting within Zanu PF.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is seen as the front-runner to succeed Mnangagwa.
However, controversial politician Temba Mliswa said Mnangagwa favoured businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as his preferred successor.
