Lawyers Challenge Fines Against University of Zimbabwe Lecturers Over Protest
Legal Battle Over Lecturers’ Rights
HARARE – Lawyers have petitioned the Harare Magistrates Court to clear three University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers who were fined for allegedly protesting against poor salaries and working conditions.
Details of the Case
The lecturers—Professor Obvious Vengeyi, Boncase Mwakorera, and Desmond Ndedzu—leaders of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), were arrested on April 16 and charged with disorderly conduct under Section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
After being detained overnight at Harare Central Police Station, they were forced to pay US$15 admission of guilt fines to secure their release.
Legal Defense
Their legal team—Kelvin Kabaya, Emmanuel Lawrence Chibwe, and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights—argues that the lecturers were lawfully exercising their constitutional right to protest.
“The lecturers only paid the fines to avoid pre-trial detention during the Easter holidays, not as an admission of wrongdoing,” the lawyers stated.
Constitutional Rights Cited
In a letter dated April 22, the lawyers referenced Section 65 of Zimbabwe’s constitution, which guarantees the right to collective job action. They affirmed their readiness to defend the lecturers if formal charges are filed.
The trio was accused of staging an unlawful picket alongside other UZ staff, demanding better pay and working conditions.