ARTUZ Leader And Activist Obert Masaraure Avoids Prison After He Is Fined

Details of Obert Masaraure’s Conviction

The president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union (ARTUZ), Obert Masaraure, was deemed guilty for a social media post on his X account (formerly known as Twitter), in which he called for the release of a fellow trade union member.

Magistrate Chakanyuka sentenced the outspoken activist to a fine of US$200, with a stipulation of two months imprisonment if the fine is not paid. Additionally, a further four-month sentence was suspended for five years, contingent upon Masaraure not committing a similar offence within that period.

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Background of the Case

Masaraure’s arrest dates back to July 8, 2022. Since then, he has frequently appeared in court throughout the trial. The charges were linked to a post he made on social media, urging for the release of Robson Chere, a fellow activist.

Chere had been detained in relation to the mysterious death of Roy Issa, an ARTUZ member who died after falling from the seventh floor of a Harare hotel. Although an inquest ruled out foul play, the police controversially reopened the case, bringing murder charges against both Masaraure and Chere.

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Prosecution and Reaction

Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Masaraure authored a statement on both his X account and the ARTUZ website. This statement was purportedly intended to prejudice the pending trial of himself and Chere while also inciting members of the teachers’ union and the public towards violence.

The conviction has sparked outrage from ARTUZ, which has labelled it a gross miscarriage of justice.