By Ziyah News Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has initiated a manhunt for Knox Chiwero, the alleged administrator of the Nyokayemabhunu WhatsApp group, which officials claim was instrumental in organizing protests on March 31.
These demonstrations, led by activist Blessed Geza, resulted in widespread unrest and 107 arrests nationwide.
Investigators revealed that they successfully infiltrated the Nyokayemabhunu group and discovered a series of messages suggesting a coordinated plan to instigate the protests. Chiwero is believed to have operated the group using a South African-registered phone number, raising concerns about potential cross-border coordination of the protests.
Police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi commented on the ongoing operation, stating that additional suspects have been identified through communications within the WhatsApp group.
“We are casting the net wide to identify the initiators of these criminal acts. They were also threatening people in their communities using social media,” Nyathi noted.
Of the 107 arrested individuals, the majority 94 were apprehended at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Square in Harare around 9:20 AM on the day of the protests.
Prosecutor Anesu Chirenje reported to the court that the protest was part of a larger scheme aimed at orchestrating disruption, with some demonstrators recording and sharing content on social media to incite further unrest.
Law enforcement has continued its operations, tracking down those who evaded initial arrest by identifying them through footage shared online. Written submissions from both the prosecution and defense are expected to commence on Tuesday, with a bail ruling scheduled for April 10.