Zimbabwe Police Launch Manhunt For Two Suspects Accused Of Distributing Flyers

Zimbabwe Police Launch Manhunt For Madzibaba Eshanduko And Saruwaka Over Flyer Distribution

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have launched a manhunt for two men accused of fleeing officers during a high-speed chase while distributing fliers in Harare suburbs. Police named the suspects as 47-year-old Godfrey Karembera, also known as Madzibaba Eshanduko, and Kudzai Weston Saruwaka.

According to the [Zimbabwe Republic Police], the men are wanted for contravening Section 187 as read with Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.

“The ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Godfrey Karembera (47) aka Madzibaba Eshanduko and Kudzai Weston Saruwaka for contravening Section 187 as read with Section 36 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23,” police announced in a post on X on 19 October 2025.

The offences fall under laws covering incitement and public violence, which carry penalties of fines or prison terms of up to 10 years.

The Flyer Distribution Chase

Police said the two suspects ran away from officers during a pursuit in Machipisa, Glenview and Budiriro, where they were distributing fliers. The ZRP did not specify the contents of the fliers.

The announcement sparked an immediate wave of reactions online. Many users questioned whether flyer distribution could be considered a crime under the law.

One user, Gerrard Anko Ged Belts, wrote:

“So their crime is distributing fliers?”

Another, General Hustler, posted:

“Ko imhosva here to exercise our democratic right yekuti no to 2030?” (Is it a crime to exercise our democratic right to say no to 2030?)

Public Reaction Online

The police post triggered heated responses. Several users accused the authorities of targeting the wrong people.

Br Xabani Nyathi commented:

“Imhosva here kupa vanhu ma flyers??? Endai munobata ana Chivhayo na Nguwaya uko.” (Is it a crime to give people flyers? Go and arrest the likes of Chivhayo and Nguwaya instead.)

Others echoed the same question about the seriousness of the offence. Jay Tee wrote:

“So his crime is distributing fliers. Zanupf Republic Police you are a disgrace.”

Some respondents suggested there was no case to answer. Chamisa Chete Chete said:

“Constitutional acts. No case to answer.”

While TheEarthBender posed the question:

“If people gather with the intention to commit violence, and then after gathering and no violence was committed, mhosva ndeyei?” (What is the crime if no violence actually happened?)

The ZRP has urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of Karembera and Saruwaka to come forward.

Legal Explainer: Sections 36 and 187

Section 36 – Public Violence: This law makes it a crime for two or more people to disturb the peace, security or order of the public through force. The punishment can be a fine, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. Courts look at factors such as whether violence actually occurred, whether weapons were involved, or whether property was damaged.
Section 187 – Incitement: This law covers persuading or trying to persuade someone to commit a crime. Even if the person incited does not act, the attempt to encourage the crime can still be punished.

Both provisions are broad, and authorities often cite them in cases involving public gatherings, demonstrations, or political activity.