Tinotenda Hove – Opposition activist Madzibaba veShanduko has finally been acquitted after spending months behind bars over charges that have now been thrown out by the courts.

The development was confirmed on Wednesday by citizens spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba, who described the acquittal as proof that the activist had been wrongfully detained.

“Madzibaba veShanduko has been found not guilty after spending months in detention for an offence he did not commit,” Siziba said.
While celebrating the court ruling, Siziba also condemned the justice system for what he called the needless imprisonment of an innocent man.

“While we welcome the acquittal of Madzibaba veShanduko, we must not lose sight of the injustice he endured. An innocent man spent months behind bars for a case that has now been dismissed,” he said.

According to Siziba, the ruling exposed serious concerns about the handling of politically sensitive cases and the treatment of detainees who spend lengthy periods in custody before trial.

“His acquittal is not only a vindication of his innocence but also an indictment of a system that subjected him to unlawful and unnecessary detention,” he added.

Siziba revealed that he had visited Madzibaba veShanduko several times while he was imprisoned and said the activist remained determined despite the difficult conditions.

“I visited Madzibaba several times in prison, he was always in high spirit,” he said.

He also thanked supporters who continued to campaign for the activist’s freedom and called for continued pressure over what he referred to as political persecution.

“Thank you everyone who stood with him and all political prisoners. We have to keep the fight!” Siziba said.