ZIMBABWEAN YOUTHS TORTURED FOR BRAAI: AN ASSAULT ON DEMOCRACY

Three weeks ago, Zimbabwe witnessed yet another shameful attack on its democracy. Armed riot police stormed the private home of Senator Jameson Timba, where young people had gathered peacefully to commemorate the Soweto Uprising. What was supposed to be a simple braai—a moment of remembrance and unity—quickly turned into a terrifying display of state-sponsored brutality. No warrant, no justification. Just violence.

This wasn’t a rally. It wasn’t a protest. It wasn’t a public event. It was a private gathering on private property. Yet, the police, acting like thugs for hire, violently raided the residence. Eyewitnesses say guests were assaulted, teargassed, and even thrown into the swimming pool. Some were forced to crawl and kneel to the police trucks like criminals. Many had broken bones and deep bruises. But none had committed a crime.

Seventy-eight young people were arrested that day. Many of them were not even part of the gathering—they were simply passing by. Among the victims was Senator Timba’s own son, who had come to visit his father for Father’s Day. He too was beaten, arrested, and thrown into jail. This is the Zimbabwe we live in today: where celebrating Father’s Day with your dad can land you in prison.

These young people have now spent weeks behind bars. Injured. In pain. Denied proper medical care. Denied bail. Denied justice. All because they dared to gather peacefully at the home of an opposition figure. Their only ‘crime’ was being young and politically conscious in a country that punishes both.

This is not law enforcement. This is political persecution.

Let’s be clear: Zimbabwe’s constitution guarantees freedom of assembly. It protects citizens from unlawful detention. It allows for bail. But when the law is used as a weapon by those in power, the constitution becomes nothing more than paper. The police no longer serve the people. They serve a political agenda designed to instill fear, suppress dissent, and keep the ruling elite safe from accountability.

What happened at Senator Timba’s home is not an isolated event. It is part of a dangerous pattern. A pattern where the state brutalizes its youth. A pattern where the courts delay justice indefinitely. A pattern where opposition voices are silenced with handcuffs and batons.

The psychological message is clear: “If you dare to think differently, if you dare to meet, if you dare to remember history—we will come for you.”

But history is not something you can beat out of a people. You cannot arrest the spirit of Soweto. You cannot tear gas courage. You cannot jail a generation forever.

The government must be held accountable for this shameful abuse of power. The officers who stormed that home without a warrant must face consequences. The courts must stop dragging their feet and grant these young people the bail they are legally entitled to. And the people of Zimbabwe must not look away.

If we are silent now, we invite more violence. If we do nothing, they will come again—next time to your home, your street, your child. Today it’s Senator Timba. Tomorrow it could be anyone.

This attack is not just about 78 youths. It’s about every Zimbabwean who still believes in freedom. Every parent who wants a future for their children. Every citizen who refuses to be ruled by fear.

This is a call to action. We must speak up, we must demand justice, and we must stand united against tyranny. Zimbabwe does not belong to riot police or corrupt politicians. It belongs to its people—and it’s time the people reminded them of that.