Vendor Released on Bail Following Toilet Argument That Sparked Presidential Insult Allegations
A 29-year-old street vendor from Harare has been granted bail after enduring almost two months in custody, stemming from a heated argument over the deplorable state of public toilets at the Mbare bus terminus. The altercation reportedly escalated into remarks that authorities interpreted as insulting Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
High Court Intervention Secures Freedom
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) confirmed the vendor's release on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, stating that the High Court ordered his freedom. Anashe Mundandi had been detained since early December 2025, with his arrest occurring on 1 December at the Mbare bus terminus following a verbal confrontation with a City of Harare employee responsible for cleaning the public facilities.
ZLHR issued a statement detailing the case, noting, "We have secured freedom for a vendor, who had been languishing in prison for more than two months after he was arrested by Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and charged with criminal nuisance following a verbal altercation over the filthy state of toilets in Mbare."
Details of the Dispute and Allegations
Prosecutors alleged that during the argument, Mundandi shouted at municipal worker Ody Chikombo, accusing him of failing to perform his duties adequately and suggesting that others could handle the job more effectively. The State further claimed that in the heat of the exchange, Mundandi made remarks construed as insulting President Mnangagwa.
In court proceedings, prosecutors argued that Mundandi "acted unlawfully in a manner likely to interfere with the ordinary comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of the public." This charge of criminal nuisance formed the basis for his prolonged detention before the High Court's intervention.
Broader Implications for Justice and Human Rights
The case has ignited discussions around Zimbabwe's bail practices and the severe issue of prison congestion. Human rights organizations have pointed to the extended period Mundandi remained in custody as a symptom of systemic challenges within the judicial and penal systems.
With bail now granted, the legal matter is set to continue through the courts, drawing attention to the intersection of public dissent, freedom of expression, and law enforcement in Zimbabwe. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about how minor disputes can escalate into significant legal battles with serious consequences for individuals.
