Namatai Kwekweza, a well-known advocate for democracy, has called on the Registrar-General (RG) to issue a replacement for her national identity card after officials at the Civil Registry Department refused, citing her inclusion on a “Stop List.”
As reported by Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Kwekweza was informed on 30 October 2024 that she could not obtain a new ID due to her alleged placement on the “Stop List,” a measure typically used for individuals with security concerns, ongoing investigations, or pending legal matters. This situation reportedly stems from a criminal case against her in 2020.
In response, Kwekweza enlisted lawyers Tinashe Chinopfukutwa and Kelvin Kabaya, who, on 14 November 2024, issued a formal letter to the Registrar-General, Henry Machiri, protesting the refusal to replace her ID. The lawyers contended that denying Kwekweza a new identity card infringed upon her constitutional right to hold one, as guaranteed by Section 35(3)(c) of Zimbabwe’s Constitution.
The legal team also pointed out that the criminal case against Kwekweza had been dismissed in 2021 following her acquittal. They argued that, since the case had been resolved, there were no grounds for her continued inclusion on the “Stop List.”
The lawyers gave a 48-hour ultimatum for Machiri to allow Kwekweza to replace her ID, warning that failure to comply would lead to legal action, with the Registrar-General personally liable for any costs due to the unjustified refusal.
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