UZ Lecturers Contest “Admission of Guilt” Fines Over Peaceful Protest

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Three University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers are challenging fines imposed for their alleged involvement in a peaceful protest over poor salaries and working conditions, claiming their actions were lawful and protected by the constitution.

According to the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the lecturers— Professor Obvious Vengeyi, Boncase Mwakorera, and Desmond Ndedzu—were arrested on 16 April 2025 by officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).

The trio, who are leaders of the Association of University Teachers (AUT), were charged with disorderly conduct under Section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The lecturers were briefly detained at Harare Central Police Station before paying US$15 each as “admission of guilt” fines to secure their release.

The police alleged that the trio led a picket involving other UZ staff members to demand improved pay and working conditions during the Easter holiday period.

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Now, represented by Kelvin Kabaya, Emmanuel Lawrence Chibwe, and Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of ZLHR, the lecturers are contesting the fines.

In a letter addressed to the Provincial Magistrate at Harare Magistrates Court on 22 April 2025, their lawyers argued that the fines should not have been confirmed, as the protest was a legitimate exercise of their labour rights.

The legal team stated that the lecturers only paid the fines under duress to avoid extended pre-trial detention. They maintain that the lecturers’ actions are protected under the Labour Act and Section 65 of the Constitution*m, which guarantees the right to collective job action.

In the event of criminal prosecution, the lawyers have indicated their readiness to present a robust legal defence.

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