The nine women arrested in Zimbabwe for allegedly booing First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa were not detained long-term and are no longer in custody.
The incident occurred on April 10, 2024, at Watsomba Business Centre in Manicaland province during a charitable event where Mnangagwa was distributing groceries and clothing. The women, frustrated at not receiving these freebies, reportedly stood up and booed during her speech, leading to their arrest by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP).
They were charged with disorderly conduct under section 41(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, with prosecutors claiming their actions were "unlawful, abusive, and insulting" to Mnangagwa.
The women, identified as Nester Chatiwana (41), Panashe Machekanzondo (19), Winnet Sithole (19), Maria Choto (49), Esnath Choto (33), Ellen Rujuwa (28), Faith Chidhakwa (30), Patience Matasva (35), and Joyce Mashingaidza (29), were detained at Mutare Central Police Station.
Represented by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) lawyers Tatenda Sigauke and David Tandiri, they denied the charges, arguing they were targeted in a "dragnet arrest" for leaving the venue early before Mnangagwa’s speech concluded.
They were released on free bail by Mutare Magistrate Prisca Manhibi on April 12, 2024.
On April 14, 2024, all charges were withdrawn at Mnangagwa’s instruction, following discussions with ZRP Commissioner General Godwin Tandabantu Matanga, who agreed the police had overreacted. Presidential spokesperson George Charamba announced the decision, stating Mnangagwa acted as the complainant in withdrawing the case. The women were formally acquitted on April 16, 2024, at Mutare Magistrates Court after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped the charges.
The incident sparked significant criticism, with human rights advocates and social media users, including journalist Tawanda Majoni, condemning the arrests as an overreach and a violation of free expression. The event echoed a 2017 case where ZANU-PF youths were prosecuted for booing former First Lady Grace Mugabe, though those charges were also later dropped. The arrests highlighted ongoing concerns about civil liberties in Zimbabwe, where dissent is often met with swift punitive measures.No further detentions or legal actions against these women have been reported since the charges were withdrawn.[](Zimlive.com/booing-women/)[](Mbaretimes.com/2024/04/auxillia-mnangagwa-)[](ZLHR.org.zw)
Whilst Mnangagwa did not press charges these women spent 2 days in jail - as the cult of “leadership”, “State over-protection” and “worship” perceived that Auxilla would be offended! This is NOT how any free society should operate!
In addition the handing out of food etc, is in itself patronising and oppressive - given the terrible state Zimbabwe is in because of Zanu PF, ED and Auxilla - their dynasty is just “do nasty”
