On August 8, 2025, Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested three students from Midlands State University (MSU) for distributing fliers opposing a constitutional amendment.

At the time of their arrest, Milton Muchayana, Anenyasha Moyo, and Langton Muhoma were distributing flyers on campus opposing Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which would extend presidential term limits and replace the direct election of the president with a system in which Parliament elects the head of state. In addition to arresting the students, authorities also seized two mobile phones, a laptop, and a printer allegedly used to create the materials.

The three students spent fourteen days in detention before being granted bail by Masvingo High Court Judge Regis Dembure.

On October 3, 2025, they appeared in court to face charges of “subverting constitutional government” and “incitement to commit public violence.”

Following his release on bail, Muchayana was reported missing (see report). On March 20, 2026, charges against Moyo and Muhoma were withdrawn before plea. Muchayana remained absent from the proceedings.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the prosecution of students in apparent retaliation for the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly. State authorities must refrain from actions intended to restrict or punish the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of scholars, students, and staff. In addition to the harm to the immediate victims, such actions undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20260330205612676
https://www.zlhr.org.zw/students-under-prosecution-for-subverting-government-after-opposing-presidential-term-extension/
https://monitor.civicus.org/explore/partial-win-as-court-strikes-out-parts-of-the-patriotic-act/
https://zimbabwenow.co.zw/articles/18779/three-msu-students-face-trial-over-alleged-anti-mnangagwa-fliers