In an ongoing struggle with Zimbabwean authorities, Namatai Kwekweza shared an update this week about being unable to receive his passport, despite obtaining his national ID.
Kwekweza’s legal representatives, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), had earlier sent a letter to the Registrar demanding the issuance of his ID, threatening legal action against the Registrar in his personal capacity if the document was not provided.
The letter, which included a court extract, clearly highlighted that the case referenced as the reason Kwekweza was placed on the government’s Stop List had been squashed. The case was dismissed in 2022 due to the state’s failure to provide evidence, allowing Kwekweza to win the case.
Following the receipt of his ID, Kwekweza went to the passport office to apply for his passport. The passport had been taken during an abduction incident at the airport on July 31, 2023, when Kwekweza and several others were detained by unidentified individuals. During the abduction, his passport, phones, and laptop were seized, and to date, none of these items have been returned.
Kwekweza later filed a police report about the abduction and the illegal seizure of his documents. Despite presenting a court order confirming that there were no legal grounds for the state to deny him a passport, Kwekweza was directed to security personnel on the 6th floor of the passport office. When asked, the staff confirmed that it was due to his continued presence on the Stop List.
Kwekweza’s frustration was evident, as he pointed out that the government has no legal basis to withhold his passport or prevent him from traveling abroad. He emphasized that the court ruling had already cleared him of any ongoing legal issues. The denial of services, according to Kwekweza, is a form of systemic violence, targeting those the government perceives as political adversaries.
The incident highlights the tension between Zimbabwean citizens and state authorities, especially in cases where political motivations are suspected. Kwekweza expressed concern over the international reputation of Zimbabwe, noting that such actions undermine the credibility of the government, especially when Zimbabwe holds key positions in regional organizations like the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
“This is petty, pathetic, and only brings disrepute,” Kwekweza wrote in a statement on X. “There are things that are simply unacceptable even as you go low. It’s good that at least these things are evident for all to see.”
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.
