Former Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi returned to Harare Remand Prison on Africa Day to visit political activist Godfrey Karembera, Madzibaba Weshanduko
VeShanduko, months after his own acquittal. The emotional reunion highlighted the bond they forged during more than 10 months of shared detention, as they prayed, laughed, and reflected with Mzembi’s support team. Karembera has remained in custody since October 2025 over flyer distribution allegations, with his prolonged detention drawing criticism from journalists and commentators. Mzembi’s visit underscored both solidarity among detainees and ongoing concerns about lengthy remand stays in Zimbabwe’s justice system.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Mzembi Reunites With Madzibaba VeShanduko During Harare Remand Prison Visit Former Tourism minister Walter Mzembi on Monday returned to Harare Remand Prison to visit political activist Godfrey Karembera, months after securing his own acquittal following more than 10 months in pretrial detention. Karembera, widely known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, has remained in remand custody since October 20 last year after being arrested over allegations linked to the distribution of flyers.
Prosecutors initially claimed he had been evading arrest before his detention. Mzembi said the visit was an emotional reunion with a fellow inmate he had come to know during his incarceration at the facility. Accompanied by members of the support team that stood by him throughout his legal battles, the former Cabinet minister said the group spent time praying, sharing memories and reflecting on their experiences behind bars. “Returned to Harare Remand on Africa Day. Godfrey Karembera, also known as Madzibaba VeShanduko, is one of the people I spent time counselling and encouraging while inside,” Mzembi said.
“Today I met him together with members of my support team who stood by me during my incarceration. We prayed, shared laughs and reflected on our experiences.” The visit comes as Karembera’s continued detention remains a subject of public discussion. The activist rose to prominence during the growth of the Citizens Coalition for Change through his trademark yellow attire and close association with former CCC leader Nelson Chamisa. His prolonged stay in remand prison has previously drawn criticism from several commentators and journalists, including Hopewell Chin'ono and Blessed Mhlanga, who have questioned the length of time he has spent in custody without finalisation of his case.
Mzembi’s visit also carried personal significance. Earlier this month, the former minister was acquitted of charges linked to his tenure in government, bringing to an end a lengthy legal ordeal that saw him spend more than 10 months in remand prison before regaining his freedom. His return to the facility underscored the bond forged among some detainees and highlighted ongoing conce.
