According to human rights groups and media reports, Patrick Mugadza, pastor of the Remnant Pentecostal Church, was released from prison in January after being detained on charges of criminal nuisance. In December 2015, Mugadza was arrested for demonstrating outside the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front annual conference. He carried a sign with the message “Mr. President the people are suffering, Proverbs 21:13”. On November 18, Mugadza was arrested again and charged for unlawfully and intentionally wearing or displaying the national flag over his shoulders without seeking permission from Zimbabwean authorities. Mugadza faces a 200 Zimbabwean dollar fine ($200) or six months imprisonment if found guilty. His trial was ongoing at year’s end.
There were reports the government used security laws to target public events and prayer rallies of religious groups. In December NGO Ibhetshu LikaZulu attempted to hold a planned memorial and prayer service for an estimated 20,000 victims of the 1980s Gukurahundi mass killings by government forces. Police blocked the gathering by cordoning off the meeting area and positioning water cannons near the venue. Ibhetshu LikaZulu filed an application at the High Court, requesting a cease order on further interference by the police. After the High Court ruled in the NGO’s favor, approximately 200 human rights defenders, political leaders, and members of the public attended the event on December 22.
There were reports from religious and civil society groups of government monitoring or harassment of church congregations and religiously affiliated NGOs and their members perceived to be critical of the government. Instances included surveillance by security officials, denial of police permission to hold public events, and investigations into whether organizations were compliant with complex registration requirements. Ibhetshu LikaZulu stated its activities were monitored with increased frequency as the January Gukurahundi memorial dates approached. A Christian aid organization said its activities were also monitored with increased frequency, particularly in areas considered strongholds of the political opposition. The organization stated district officials sometimes required a renegotiated memorandum of understanding if district officials sought more information on a particular organization’s activities.
While religious activities and events continued to be exempt from POSA regulations, the government continued to categorize as political any public gathering, including religious gatherings, critical of the ruling party. In July church leaders from nine denominations and organizations released a statement condemning what they stated was the government’s disregard of the constitution, selective application of the law, and failure to deal with corruption. The government reportedly became increasingly distrustful of all gatherings and activities by individuals or groups perceived as opponents of the government.
Most official state and school gatherings and functions included nondenominational Christian prayers. In courts and for government officials entering office, individuals often swore on the Bible.
In May the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MPSE) introduced a national pledge to be recited daily by students. Media sources reported many citizens stated the pledge was unconstitutional because it resembles a prayer and pledges allegiance to “Almighty God.” Prior to the national pledge, many public schools recited the Lord’s Prayer. They also complained the MPSE did not properly consult with religious communities. In June several church leaders led a protest march in Harare, demanding the government revoke the national pledge.
In April public concerns arose over fears that the MPSE intended to halt activities by the interdenominational Christian movement Scripture Union in public schools across the country. To resolve the issue, the MPSE met with the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations, a Christian umbrella organization. All parties agreed that Scripture Union activities, which includes facilitating voluntary student groups that read and study the Bible in schools, could continue once the Scripture Union submitted an MOU through the MPSE.