Massive Manhunt for Madzibaba Eshanduko: 5 Shocking Details on the High-Speed Chase

Madzibaba Eshanduko is at the center of a massive nationwide manhunt after a dramatic high-speed chase through Harare’s suburbs. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has publicly appealed for information leading to the arrest of the prominent 47-year-old opposition activist, whose real name is Godfrey Karembera, and his associate, Kudzai Weston Saruwaka.

The duo is accused of inciting public violence by distributing flyers in the high-density areas of Machipisa, Glenview, and Budiriro. According to the ZRP’s official statement, the two fled from officers, leading to a pursuit that they ultimately evaded.

They now face serious charges under Section 187, read with Section 36, of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which criminalizes incitement to commit public violence.

Who is Madzibaba Eshanduko? 5 Shocking Details

For many, Godfrey Karembera is a symbol of defiance. But for authorities, he is a perennial agitator. Here are 5 shocking details that provide crucial context to this latest manhunt.

1. The Meaning of “Father of Change”

Hailing from Guruve, the man known as Madzibaba Eshanduko—a moniker translating to “Father of Change”—rose to national prominence as a fiery and vocal supporter of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC). . His signature look, blending a traditional apostolic white gown with the opposition’s yellow regalia, made him a fixture at rallies, where he chants for democratic and economic reforms.

2. The Brutal 2022 Police Assault

This is not the first violent encounter for the activist. In March 2022, Madzibaba Eshanduko was brutally assaulted by police in Harare’s CBD simply for wearing CCC colors. Graphic images of his injuries, including deep gashes across his back, circulated widely. The attack was condemned by Amnesty International as a “chilling reminder” of pre-election intimidation.

3. The 2025 Petrol Bombing

His activism has come at an immense personal cost. In April 2025, Karembera’s rural home in Guruve South was petrol-bombed in a suspected politically motivated attack. The arson, which occurred under Chief Chipuriro, critically injured his son and reduced the family’s property to ashes.

4. The Unknown Accomplice: Kudzai Saruwaka

Far less is publicly known about his alleged accomplice, Kudzai Weston Saruwaka. While the ZRP released his photos, his background remains murky. Whispers in activist circles suggest possible links to informal political networks and land syndicates, but no concrete details have been confirmed.

5. The Content of the “Incendiary” Flyers

While the ZRP has not officially disclosed the flyers’ content, sources close to the investigation allege they called for mass action against economic hardships and electoral irregularities. In Zimbabwe’s politically charged environment, authorities view such calls as a direct threat to public order, not as protected free speech.

Public Outcry and Political Fallout

The ZRP’s public appeal has ignited a firestorm on social media, splitting Zimbabweans.

• Opposition Voices: CCC affiliates and supporters decry the charges as blatant, politically motivated persecution. They draw parallels to past crackdowns on figures like Hopewell Chin’ono and Jacob Ngarivhume, seeing this as an attempt to silence dissent ahead of the 2028 general elections.
• Pro-Government Accounts: Conversely, state-aligned commentators have labeled Madzibaba Eshanduko and Saruwaka as “chaos agents” and “law-breakers” whose goal is to undermine national stability.
• Human Rights Groups: Organizations like the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), which has represented Karembera in the past, have called for restraint and urged the government to uphold constitutional rights to assembly and expression.

What’s Next in the Manhunt?

As the search for the 2 men intensifies, the case of Madzibaba Eshanduko raises critical questions about the state of democracy and free expression in Zimbabwe. For the activist, whose life has been defined by beatings, bombings, and unyielding defiance, the stakes have never been higher.

The ZRP has warned the public that harboring the suspects is a criminal offense and urges anyone with information to report it to the nearest police station.